Differential effects of carbamazepine and levetiracetam monotherapy on reproductive endocrine function in Nigerian women with epilepsy
Luqman Ogunjimi,
Yaria Joseph,
Alabi Akinyinka,
Aderinola Aderonke,
Osalusi Bamidele,
Falujo Bolanle,
Murtala Abdullahi,
Dada Olaide,
Oyebowale Mariam,
Oyenuga Ibironke,
Fatai Fehintola,
Ogunniyi Adesola
Affiliations
Luqman Ogunjimi
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Remo Campus, Sagamu Ogun State, Nigeria; Corresponding author. Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Remo Campus, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Yaria Joseph
Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Alabi Akinyinka
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Remo Campus, Sagamu Ogun State, Nigeria
Aderinola Aderonke
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Remo Campus, Sagamu Ogun State, Nigeria
Osalusi Bamidele
Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Remo Campus, Sagamu Ogun State, Nigeria
Falujo Bolanle
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Remo Campus, Sagamu Ogun State, Nigeria
Murtala Abdullahi
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Remo Campus, Sagamu Ogun State, Nigeria
Dada Olaide
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Remo Campus, Sagamu Ogun State, Nigeria
Oyebowale Mariam
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Remo Campus, Sagamu Ogun State, Nigeria
Oyenuga Ibironke
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Remo Campus, Sagamu Ogun State, Nigeria
Fatai Fehintola
Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Ogunniyi Adesola
Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Objective: This study is aimed at comparing differential effect of Levetiracetam (LTC) monotherapy and Carbamazepine (CZP) monotherapy in W omen with epilepsy (WWE) on gonadal hormone. Methods: 87 WWE were recruited comprising randomly of 46 and 41 on CZP and LTC group respectively with diagnosis and classification based on International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). Reproductive hormones (Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle stimulating hormone, progesterone, estradiol and testosterone) were assayed. National Hospital Seizure Severity Scale (NHSS) and Zung self-reporting depression scale (ZSRDS) were used to assess the seizure severity and the mood respectively. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. The Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables while Student's t-test or its non-parametric equivalent where appropriate were used to compare continuous variables. Results: Clinical characteristics were comparable in both groups except for ZSRDS (p = 0.048), NHSS (p = 0.012) and hip circumference (p = 0.037). The CZP group had a higher ASEX score and proportion of WWE with clinically significant sexual dysfunction (p < 0.001). WWE on LTC had similar hormonal profiles with those on CZP except for a higher median serum testosterone level (p = 0.004), and lower median serum LH (p = 0.006). Age was negatively associated with serum testosterone level for the 25th, 50th, and 75th quartile. However, the differential effect for AED type was only significant for the 25th quartile; with higher values in LTC. Conclusion: The therapeutics implication of lower LH and testosterone levels in the LTC group compared to CZP group need to be explored.
