Endocrine Abstracts

Purpose: To study reproductive endocrine complications (REC) of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) at a woman epilepsy

Materials and methods: One hundred and fifty five women at the age of 16–45 years were included in prospective observational uncontrolled comparative study of the antiepileptic drugs reproductive side effects. Three groups were divided: 1 gr., monotherapy AEDs; 2 gr., polytherapy; 3 gr., no AEDs used. REC lasted more than 6 months were accounted. The diagnosis was established based on comprehensive exam, in accordance with ICD-10. Naranja algorithm was used to determine reliability of communication ‘AEDs – REC’.

Results: 70 patients (45%) were in 1 gr., 65 (42%) – in 2 gr., 20 (13%) – in 3 gr. 73 patients (47%) were healthy in a total cohort. The overall incidence of REC were 53%, 75% of them due to side effects of AEDs. Comorbid REC was observed in 21 women (13%). In 61 (40%) cases were identified REC due to treatment of AEDs. REC were associated with the taking AEDs in 21 women (30%) at the 1 gr., 40 (57%) patients were healthy. In the 2 gr. REC associated with exposure to AEDs was diagnosed in 38 patients (59%). Only 2 people (10%) retained menstrual irregularities arising from preceding antiepileptic therapy in the three control gr. Differences in the frequency of REC in the comparison groups were statistically significant (P<0.001). Disturbances of a menstrual cycle were determined at 57%, the amenorrhea – 10%, sterility – 10%, a syndrome of polycystic ovaries –7%, dysfunctional uterine bleedings – 3%, a delay of sexual development – 2%, a premenstrual syndrome – 11%. Differences in the frequency of disturbances of a menstrual cycle in the comparison groups were statistically significant above at polytherapy (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Reproductive disturbances are a frequent side effect of antiepileptic drugs at woman epilepsy above at polytherapy. It is necessary monitoring a condition of reproductive health during treatment by antiepileptic drugs.