Carbamazepine (CBZ) is one of the oldest antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) that is still used for
the treatment of tonic-clonic seizures in children. Long-term use of AEDs induces
potential toxic effects that may remain undetermined for a long time. Earlier studies
have revealed a wide spectrum of hematological toxicities associated with CBZ. This
study was conducted to unveil the toxic effects of carbamazepine as an antiepileptic
monotherapy on hematological and immunological parameters in a group of Egyptian
pediatric patients using it for different durations. Fifty pediatric epileptics of either sex
were enrolled; 38 were taking CBZ as antiepilepticmonotherapy for6months and 12
were newly diagnosed untreated patients. Hematological and immunological parameters
studied were compared with their age and sex-matched 15 controls and among
groups. CBZ was found more toxic for total leukocyte count, lymphocyte count, serum
IgA and IgM levels (p |
