Neurológia pre prax 3/2011

Epilepsy and metabolic syndrome X

Metabolic syndrome is a common disease in all population groups. It is characterized by obesity, hypertension, hyperglycaemia, and hyperlipidaemia (Tung M Fong, 2004). The aetiology may be determined genetically; however, lifestyle factors play a major role, particularly excess caloric intake and sedentary lifestyle. The condition may be aggravated by some medications, e. g. antiepileptics, which are administered on a long-term basis in individuals with epilepsy. Thus, when selecting an antiepileptic drug, the patient's comorbidities have to be taken into consideration.

Keywords: metabolic syndrome X, epilepsy, antiepileptic drugs, lipid metabolism.