Serum Immunoglobulins and complement subfactors levels in sodium valproate treated epileptic patients

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