ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS OF ANTI-EPILEPTIC DRUGS IN PEDIATRIC AGE GROUP IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL; A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Objectives: In this cross-sectional study, the aims were to analyze the incidence and pattern of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of antiepileptic drugs in pediatric patient. Most common adverse effect and most common drug causing adverse effect were evaluated. Methods: Study was conducted over 60 Patients for 6 months in out-patient basis pediatric department in Rajindra Hospital associated with GMC, Patiala, a tertiary care teaching hospital in Punjab. The patient diagnosed by the Pediatrician with epilepsy who fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria was enrolled after taking informed consent. ADRs were noted using Pediatric Epilepsy Side Effect Questionnaire at clinic visit and any other adverse effects reported by patients. Results: In this study, a total of 60 children were enrolled. The mean age was 10.26±3.70, median were 11.00. 41 (68.33%) patients were boys and 19 (31.67%) were girls. In Cognitive ADRs with anti-epileptic drugs, there were total 17 ADRs reported. Valproate was causing most cognitive ADRs (32.43%). Among all cognitive ADRs, attention difficulty was the commonest complains. There were no motor and behavioral ADRs reported. Total 27 general neurological ADRs reported, which was highest reported ADRs. Among general neurological, Clobazam was causing highest ADRs (55.56%). 10 patients also reported tremor as another ADR and Clobazam causing most (22.22%). Conclusion: In the present study, boys were developing more epilepsy than girls. Valproate was causing most ADRs. Among all cognitive ADRs, attention difficulty was the most common ADR. General neurological ADRs were highest reported ADRs.