Related Experiment Videos
No effect of long-term valproate therapy on thyroid and parathyroid functions in children
Hüseyin Caksen1, Haluk Dülger, Yaşar Cesur
1Department of Pediatrics, Yüzüncü Yil University Faculty of Medicine, Van, Turkey. huseyincaksen@hotmail.com
Insights
Long-term valproate (VPA) therapy in children with epilepsy did not significantly affect serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, or thyroid and parathyroid hormone levels. VPA appears safe for managing childhood epilepsy concerning these endocrine parameters.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Neuropharmacology
- Epilepsy Management
Background:
- Epilepsy affects numerous children worldwide.
- Valproate (VPA) is a common antiepileptic drug.
- Concerns exist regarding VPA's long-term effects on endocrine function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of long-term valproate (VPA) therapy on specific endocrine and mineral metabolism markers in children with epilepsy.
- To assess potential thyroid and parathyroid dysfunction associated with VPA treatment.
Main Methods:
- Serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, thyroid hormones (total thyroxine, free thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone), and parathyroid hormone were measured.
- A cohort of 31 children with epilepsy on long-term VPA therapy was compared with 22 healthy age-matched controls.
- VPA treatment duration ranged from 12 months to 5 years.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were observed in serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, or osteocalcin levels between the VPA-treated group and controls.
- Thyroid hormone levels (total thyroxine, free thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone) showed no significant variations between the groups.
- Parathyroid hormone levels were also comparable between children receiving VPA and the healthy control group.
Conclusions:
- Long-term valproate therapy in children with epilepsy does not appear to cause significant disturbances in calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, thyroid, or parathyroid hormone levels.
- These findings suggest that VPA can be safely administered to children with epilepsy concerning thyroid and parathyroid function.
- Further research may explore other potential long-term VPA effects, but current evidence supports its safety regarding these specific endocrine parameters.
Abstract:
In this study, we studied serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, thyroid hormones (total thyroxine, free thyroxine, thyroid-stimulating hormone), parathyroid hormone, and osteocalcine levels in children with epilepsy who had been receiving long-term valproate (VPA) therapy in order to determine whether there was any effect of VPA therapy on these hormones. The study included 31 patients with epilepsy receiving VPA and 22 healthy age-matched controls. The age ranged from 15 months to 16 years and 18 months to 17 years in the study and control group, respectively. The duration of VPA use was between 12 months and 5 years (1.93 +/- 1.90 years). When comparing the results, we did not find any significant difference in any of the parameters, including serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcine, and thyroid and parathyroid hormone levels, between the study and control group. We suggest that VPA can safely be used with regard to thyroid and parathyroid dysfunction in childhood epilepsy.