Journal article
Balance impairment in chronic antiepileptic drug users: A twin and sibling study
SJ Petty, KD Hill, NE Haber, LM Paton, KM Lawrence, SF Berkovic, MJ Seibel, TJ O'Brien, JD Wark
Epilepsia | Published : 2010
Abstract
Purpose: Patients taking antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have an increased incidence of fractures. This study investigated chronic AEDuse and physical contributors to falls risk using an AED-discordant, twin and sibling matched-pair approach, and assessed clinically relevant subgroups: AED polytherapy; longer-duration AED; and falls history. Methods: Twenty-nine same-sex (mean age 44.9 years, 59% female), ambulatory, community-dwelling twin and sibling pairs, discordant for AED exposure (and AED-indication), were recruited. Validated clinical and laboratory tests of strength, gait, and balance were performed. Relevant AED levels, and fasting serum samples for 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25OHD), 1,25-di..
View full abstractGrants
Funding Acknowledgements
[ "The authors would like to thank the twins and siblings for participating in the study; Ms. Leslie Dowson for assistance with administration at NARI: Ms. Lit Kim Chin and Ms. Mary Sakellarides for assistance with recruitment; Ms. Wendy Cadd and members of the Wark group for assistance with Mail outs; Prof. Stephen Lord and Dr. Connic Vogler (POWMRI) for training and assistance with Lord's balance kit equipment: Dr. James Modzelewski. Molecular Bone Biology Unit, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney; Ms. Marnie Collins. (Statistical Consulting Service,The University of Melbourne) for assistance with the REML analysis technique.", "This work was supported by a project grant from The National Health and Medical Research Council (Australia): The ANZ Charitable Tursts; and Victor Harley Grants-m-Aid of The Royal Melbourne Hospital. Dr. Sandra Petty Was Supported by it National Health and Medical Research Council Postgraduate Medical Research Scholarship.", "We confirm that we have read (fie Journal's position on issues involved in ethical publication and affirm that this report is consistent with those guidelines." ]