College of Medicine

A master’s thesis was discussed in the College of Medicine, University of Mosul, for the Department of Pharmacology, entitled “Evaluation of the effects of stimulating and non-stimulating anti-epileptic drugs on bone and liver parameters”, which was presented by the student, Amena I. Salih on Wednesday, 8th December 2021.

The thesis discussed the effect of epilepsy and some antiepileptic drugs on liver function and the level of vitamin D in the blood which negatively affects the patient’s life.

The aim of the thesis was to evaluate the effect of carbamazepine and levetiracetam on the level of vitamin D in the blood, liver enzymes (ALP, AST, ALT) and albumin level in the patients under study with an indication to the effect of adding vitamin D as a dietary supplement on the health status of patients.

It concluded that there is a low effect of carbamazepine on the level of vitamin D in the blood, which may be due to its enzyme-stimulating properties, while levetiracetam did not show any effect on the level of vitamin D. The study also showed a small effect in raising the levels of liver enzymes for carbamazepine, but without any clinical symptoms. This work could provide evidence of the usefulness of vitamin D as a dietary supplement for epilepsy patients by improving the patient’s well-being.

The discussion committee consisted of Prof Dr Kawa F. De Zayi (chairman), Assistant Prof Dr Shamil H. Othman (member), Dr Ragaa Y. Ahmed (member), Prof Dr Issam H. Al-Dabbagh and Assistant Prof Dr Wasim H. Al-Khaffaf (two members and supervisors).

Part of the discussion was attended by the Dean of the College, Prof Dr Basil Mohammednather Saeed, the Administrative Vice-Dean, Assistant Prof Dr Hazim Kh. Al-Allaf, and the Head of the Department of Pharmacology, Prof Dr Imad A. Thanoun. It was also attended by some academic staff of different scientific departments and a number of postgraduate students.

After the discussion, the committee’s decision was read including accept the thesis with the necessary amendments need to be made and awarding the student a master’s degree.