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Effect of long-term therapy with sodium valproate on nail and serum trace element status in epileptic children

Ferah Armutcu1, Elif Ozerol, Ahmet Gurel

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Karaelmas University Medical School, Zonguldak, Turkey.

Biological Trace Element Research
|December 29, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Valproic acid (VPA) epilepsy treatment may alter serum zinc and nail copper levels in children. Monitoring these trace elements is crucial for managing potential side effects in patients with epilepsy.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Clinical Nutrition

Background:

  • Antiepileptic drugs can impact the body's trace element balance.
  • Valproic acid (VPA) is a common and effective treatment for epilepsy.
  • Nail trace element levels serve as an indicator of nutritional status.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of VPA on zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) levels in children with epilepsy.
  • To assess if VPA treatment leads to Zn depletion or altered Cu status.
  • To correlate nail and serum trace element concentrations with epilepsy and VPA therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Measured serum and nail Zn and Cu concentrations in 59 children with epilepsy on VPA and 31 controls.
  • Utilized nail trace element analysis as a biomarker for long-term nutritional status.
  • Compared trace element levels between the epileptic group and the control group.

Main Results:

  • Epileptic children on VPA showed decreased serum Zn levels compared to controls.
  • A statistically significant increase in nail Cu levels was observed in epileptic patients.
  • No significant differences in nail Zn or serum Cu levels were found between groups.

Conclusions:

  • Valproic acid therapy may disrupt serum trace metal homeostasis, specifically affecting zinc levels.
  • Elevated nail copper suggests a potential alteration in copper metabolism during VPA treatment.
  • While overt symptoms were absent, careful monitoring of trace elements is recommended for children on VPA therapy.

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