Effects of Oxcarbazepine and Sodium Valproate on Reproductive Function in Women with Epilepsy.
Abstract number :
3.239
Submission category :
Year :
2001
Submission ID :
1691
Source :
www.aesnet.org
Presentation date :
12/1/2001 12:00:00 AM
Published date :
Dec 1, 2001, 06:00 AM
Authors :
E. Löfgren, MB, Dept of Neurology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; J.S. Tapanainen, MD,PhD, Dept of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; A. Pakarinen, MD, PhD, Dept of Clinical Chemistry, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; J.I.
RATIONALE: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of oxcarbazepine (OXC) and sodium valproate (VPA) monotherapy on reproductive function in women with epilepsy.
METHODS: We examined 31 women with epilepsy who were seen regularly in the Outpatient Department of Neurology at Oulu University Hospital. We also examined 32 healthy control women without antiepileptic therapy. The mean age in the patient group was 29 years (range, 17 to 40) and in the control group 32 years (range, 22 to 40). 16 patients were treated with OXC monotherapy, and the mean duration of the medication was 3 years (range, 1 to 6), and 15 patients were treated with VPA monotherapy, the mean duration of the medication was 6 years (range, 1 to 20). In addition to clinical examination, vaginal ultrasonography was performed and serum testosterone levels were measured.
RESULTS: Menstrual disturbances were present in 6 of the women receiving VPA (40 percent), and 4 of the women receiving OXC (25 percent). Five of the control women (16 percent) had menstrual disturbances. Polycystic ovaries and/or elevated serum levels of testosterone were found in 9 women (60 percent) receiving VPA (p[lt]0.01), 4 women (25 percent) receiving OXC, and 5 control women (16 percent). These abnormalities were associated with menstrual disorders in 5 women (33 percent) receiving VPA, 1 woman (6 percent) receiving OXC, and 3 women (9 percent) in the control group ( p[lt]0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: As previous studies have reported, menstrual disturbances are common in women receiving VPA. They are associated with elevated serum testosterone levels and/or polycystic ovaries in majority of cases. However, women receiving OXC do not seem to differ from the control women with regard to frequency of menstrual disturbances, or presence of elevated testosterone levels or polycystic ovaries.
Support: University of Oulu