Discover the surprising link between a common epilepsy medication, Phenytoin, and an elevated risk of osteoporosis and fractures, shedding light on crucial considerations for long-term patient health.
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Phenytoin is associated with increased risk of osteoporosis and fragility fractures in adult epileptic patients.
DeShazo et al., J Bone Miner Metab 2023
DOI: 10.1007/s00774-023-01475-2
Study Highlights Increased Fracture Risk in Epileptic Patients on Phenytoin
New Information: This study compares the risk of osteoporosis and related fractures between epileptic patients on phenytoin therapy (Cohort A) and those not on phenytoin or other anti-epileptic drugs (Cohort B).
Importance: The research underscores the significant risk of bone health issues associated with phenytoin, an anti-epileptic drug, which is crucial for patient management and treatment planning.
Contribution to Literature: The study provides robust evidence by matching a large sample of 35,936 patients on phenytoin with 109,335 patients not on the drug, controlling for confounding factors.
Results Summary: Patients on phenytoin had a significantly higher risk of developing osteoporosis and fractures in various regions including metatarsal bones, shoulder, upper arm, distal radius, thoracic vertebra, cervical vertebra, lumbar vertebra, femoral head or neck, pertrochanteric region, femoral shaft, and distal tibia (p < 0.001 for all outcomes).
Implications: It is recommended that patients receiving phenytoin therapy be informed about the increased fracture risk and advised on lifestyle and dietary changes to mitigate this risk.