A PROSPECTIVE AND OBSERVATIONAL STUDY OF USE OF ANTI-EPILEPTIC DRUGS IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL

Abstract

ABSTRACT
The prevalence and incidence of epilepsy is higher in developing countries than in developed countries. Understanding pattern and imperil factors of seizure cases will avail in suggesting congruous preventive measures. This study was carried out to assess the pattern of seizure, utilization pattern of anti-epileptic drugs, its management and compliance with the treatment. In a prospective study spanning six months (January to June 2016), the prescription data of 104 epileptic patients was collected from neurology Out Patient department (OPD) and the General Medicine Department of Osmania General Hospital, Hyderabad. Proximately half (55.76%) of the 104 cases belonged to productive age group (15-45 years) and 2/3rd (66.34%) were males. Majority (>60% cases) were unskilled workers and of low socio-economic status groups. Family history of seizures was present in 18.26% cases. Proportion of Generalized Tonic Clonic Seizure cases was 76.92%. Secondary seizures were seen in 28 (26.92%) cases with the most common cause being alcohol withdrawal (17.30%). Monotherapy was the most commonly followed treatment regimen and phenytoin was the most popular anti-epileptic drug (AED) utilised. Non-compliance with AEDs was seen in 27.88% cases. The overall incidence of adverse drug reactions was not very high. Phenytoin accounted for almost all of the ADRs collected and evaluated. Idiopathic generalized epilepsy was the commonest type of epilepsy recorded. Monotherapy was preferred in most cases and frequent use of newer AED namely levetiracetam. Seizure manifestations and treatment compliance vary widely in the studied population. In depth analysis of each seizure type will give more information about the factors associated with it.
Keywords: Compliance, Utilization Pattern, Risk Factors, Seizures, Treatment.