Reduced bone mass and increased bone turnover in postmenopausal women with epilepsy using antiepileptic drug monotherapy.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess the occurrence of osteoporosis and fracture rate in Norwegian postmenopausal women with epilepsy using antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and to investigate how AEDs may affect bone health.

Material And Methods: Twenty-six female patients receiving AED monotherapy and 26 individually matched healthy controls answered questions about their general health, lifestyle and previous fractures. For both groups, bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by DEXA, and serum samples were analysed for biochemical bone turnover markers and haematological parameters.