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Fracture risk is increased in epilepsy.
P Vestergaard1, S Tigaran, L Rejnmark
1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Aarhus Amtssygehus, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.
Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|May 29, 1999
Summary
Patients with epilepsy have higher fracture rates, particularly those using phenytoin. Seizures contribute significantly to these fractures, not necessarily low bone density.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Epilepsy is a neurological disorder associated with various health complications.
- Fracture risk in patients with epilepsy is a growing concern, impacting quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate fracture incidence and identify risk factors in non-institutionalized individuals with epilepsy.
- To compare fracture rates between epilepsy patients and a control group.
Main Methods:
- A historical follow-up study utilizing self-administered questionnaires.
- Involved 755 patients diagnosed with epilepsy (ICD 10: G40.0 to G40.9) and 1000 randomly selected controls.
- Collected data on fracture history, seizure-related fractures, and medication use.
Main Results:
- Overall fracture rates were significantly higher in epilepsy patients (RR = 2.0) post-diagnosis compared to controls.
- Increased fractures observed in the spine, forearms, femurs, lower legs, and feet.
- Fractures related to seizures accounted for 33.9% of all fractures in patients; phenytoin use and family fracture history were significant risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Fractures are more prevalent in individuals with epilepsy than in the general population.
- A substantial portion of increased fracture risk is attributable to seizures, rather than solely to compromised bone biomechanics.
- Phenytoin use emerged as a key risk factor for fractures in this patient group.