Abstract
Objectives: To assess, the serum levels of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM) and
complement subfactors (C٣, C٤) in newly diagnosed epileptic patients in the pretherapy
stage and ٣ months after valproate therapy, in comparison with controls.
Methods: This study was conducted at Iben-Seena Hospital and the College of
Medicine- University of Mosul from January to December ٢٠٠٩. Forty-two newly
diagnosed epileptic patients were selected and included in this study. Fifty apparently
healthy subjects , age and sex matched to the patients group also included and taken
as a control. Initially from both the patients and controls, blood samples were taken
and assessment of sera levels of immunoglobulins and complement subfactors were
done by single radial immuno diffusion method, using commercial kits. Then patients
were put on valporate therapy for ٣ months and a blood sample were taken from the
patients and assay of the same parameters mentioned above were done using the
same technique and the same kits.
Results: There were insignificant differences between patients in pre-therapy stage
and controls with regard serum immunoglobulin levels (and complement subfactors).
Also there were insignificant differences between epileptic patients before and ٣
months after therapy with valproate .
Conclusion: valproate as an anticonvulsant have no influence on serum
immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, IgM) and complement subfactors (C٣, C٤) after ٣
months of therapy.
