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[Effects of valproate on sexual development]
J V Balaguer Martínez1, M J López García, M Andrés Celma
1Servicio de Pediatría. Hospital Clínic Universitari. Universidad de Valencia. España.
Anales De Pediatria (Barcelona, Spain : 2003)
|May 2, 2003
Summary
Valproate treatment may cause early hyperandrogenism in girls with epilepsy, indicated by higher testosterone levels, but not in boys. This effect is independent of dose and does not impact pubertal development.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
Background:
- Valproate is linked to weight gain and hyperandrogenism in young girls and adult women.
- Adverse endocrinological effects of valproate in males are less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess valproate's impact on pubertal development and hyperandrogenic effects in children with epilepsy.
- To compare endocrinological markers in epileptic children treated with valproate versus controls.
Main Methods:
- Compared 23 girls and 15 boys (8-16 years) on valproate with 25 controls.
- Evaluated anthropometrics, sexual maturation, hirsutism, hormone levels (FSH, LH, testosterone, etc.), and insulin.
- Performed ovarian ultrasound and bone age estimation.
Main Results:
- Valproate did not alter pubertal development, hirsutism, or polycystic ovaries.
- Weight and BMI increased in the valproate group, but not significantly different from controls.
- Plasma testosterone was significantly higher in valproate-treated girls versus controls, independent of dose.
Conclusions:
- Valproate may induce early hyperandrogenism in epileptic girls, evidenced by elevated testosterone.
- No hyperandrogenic effects or developmental changes were observed in boys treated with valproate.
- Valproate does not appear to affect pubertal development or cause physical repercussions in epileptic children.