Evaluation of the effect of antiepileptic drugs on mandibular bone quality by fractal analysis

ObjectivesAntiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are used to control seizures in epilepsy and their long-term use is common. AED use has been associated with decreased bone mineral density. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of AEDs on mandibular bone quality using fractal analysis and panoramic morphometric indices.MethodsIn this study, dental and medical records of 132 patients (66 AED users and 66 control group) were used. Fractal analysis (FA), the panoramic mandibular index (PMI), mandibular cortical width (MCW), and Klemetti index (KI) measurements were performed on panoramic radiographs.ResultsIn all metrics, the mean values of the study group were significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.000). There is a statistically significant difference between the study and control groups in terms of KI distribution (p < 0.000). The mean fractal dimension (FD) values in each measured region of the female patients in the study group were found to be significantly lower than the female patients in the control group (p < 0.05). The mean FD values measured in ROI-2 and ROI-3 of male patients in the study group were found to be significantly lower than male patients in the control group (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe side effects of AEDs on bone metabolism were shown in this study. Dentists examining patients with epilepsy should be careful about osteoporotic changes in the jaws.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the effect of AEDs on mandibular bone quality using fractal analysis and panoramic morphometric indices. The results showed that the mean values of all metrics were significantly lower in the study group compared to the control group. Female AED users had significantly lower fractal dimension values than female controls, and male AED users had significantly lower fractal dimension values in ROI-2 and ROI-3 compared to male controls.