title: The prevalence of adverse reactions to anticonvulsants in children with epilepsy.
abstract: Sixty children on long-term treatment with anticonvulsant drugs were examined for evidence of adverse reactions. The prevalence of reported side-effects was extremely low. Adverse effects on haematopoiesis were not demonstrated, and only 2 children had alanine aminotransferase levels above the reference range. Nine children had biochemical evidence of altered calcium metabolism. The findings suggest that repeated routine laboratory monitoring of asymptomatic children on long-term anticonvulsant therapy is not essential.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town.
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Leary
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Luss
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000097:blood; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002998:Clonazepam / Q000009:adverse effects; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010634:Phenobarbital / Q000009:adverse effects; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D002220:Carbamazepine; D002998:Clonazepam; D014635:Valproic Acid; D010634:Phenobarbital