Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of autoimmune and/or endocrine disorders in
patients with epilepsy and thus evaluate their associations.

Background:

Epilepsy affects approximately 0.5% to 1.0% of the world’s population. This risk is nearly four times
higher in patients with autoimmune and/or endocrine diseases.

Design/Methods:

A retrospective study of Tunisian patients diagnosed with epilepsy in the Neurology department of
Monastir. We identified the epidemiological, clinical, electrical features and the presence of
autoimmune and/or endocrine disorders.

Results:

Sixty-three patients with epilepsy were included, 34 Men (53%). We have identified eight patients followed for metabolic and/or autoimmune diseases. The mean age : 44 years. Epilepsy was generalized in 85% of cases. Hypothyroidism was the most frequent pathology (50%), followed by type 1 diabetes mellitus (2 patients) and dyslipidemia (2 patients), finally inflammatory bowel disease (2 patients).
Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), systemic lupus erythematosus and Gougerot-Sjögren syndrome
were reported in two patients.

Conclusions:

Screening for dysimmune and metabolic disorders in patients followed for epilepsy seems necessary in view of the frequent association and in order to guide antiseizure treatment.