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Central hypothyroidism with oxcarbazepine therapy
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida 32610-0296, USA. millejl@peds.ufl.edu
Pediatric Neurology
|March 1, 2006
Summary
Oxcarbazepine, an antiepileptic drug, may cause central hypothyroidism by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. This contrasts with other antiepileptics that increase thyroid hormone metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) can cause thyroid dysfunction, often via increased thyroid hormone metabolism or hypothalamic-pituitary axis interference.
- Oxcarbazepine (OXC) was designed to minimize hepatic enzyme induction, potentially avoiding thyroid hormone metabolism issues seen with other AEDs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of oxcarbazepine on thyroid function.
- To determine if oxcarbazepine interferes with the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, leading to central hypothyroidism.
Main Methods:
- Case report of three patients treated with oxcarbazepine.
- Clinical evaluation of thyroid function and hypothalamic-pituitary axis integrity.
Main Results:
- Three patients developed central hypothyroidism during oxcarbazepine treatment.
- These findings suggest oxcarbazepine's potential to disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.
Conclusions:
- Oxcarbazepine may cause central hypothyroidism, independent of increased thyroid hormone metabolism.
- The mechanism appears to involve interference with the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, a side effect not anticipated based on its metabolic profile.
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