Abstracts

Rationale: Dibenzazepines with a carboxamide substitution are known to have enzyme-inducing properties, deleterious effects on lipid metabolism, as well as to frequently cause hyponatremia, changes in blood cell count and liver function tests. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of three antiepileptic drugs (carbamazepine, CBZ; oxcarbazepine, OXC; and eslicarbazepine acetate, ESL) on these mentioned variables. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients treated with CBZ, OXC or ESL. Plasma sodium and lipid concentrations, blood cell counts and liver function tests were compared before, during and at the end of treatment. Results: Overall, 292 patients were included in the analysis. Of these, 143 were treated with CBZ, 55 with OXC and 94 with ESL. Compared with OXC and ESL, CBZ showed a statistically significant higher impact on lipid metabolism (total cholesterol), while OXC showed lower mean sodium levels and higher frequency of hyponatremia. At the end of the observational period, statistically significant differences between treatment groups were also detected in red blood cell counts, platelets count and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels. Conclusions: While CBZ showed a higher impact on lipid metabolism, OXC showed higher frequency of hyponatremia. In addition, CBZ, OXC or ESL had different effects on red blood cell count, platelet count and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels at the end of the treatment period. Funding: None