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Effects of anticonvulsant therapy on vitamin D status in children: prospective monitoring study

Polyxeni Nicolaidou1, Helen Georgouli, Haralambos Kotsalis

  • 1Third Pediatric Department, Athens University, Athens, Greece. pedatt@med.uoa.gr

Journal of Child Neurology
|August 12, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Anticonvulsant drugs like carbamazepine and sodium valproate can lead to vitamin D deficiency in children. This study found a significant decrease in vitamin D levels and a rise in parathyroid hormone during treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Clinical Pharmacology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Conflicting reports exist regarding the association between anticonvulsant medications and hypovitaminosis D in pediatric populations.
  • Vitamin D deficiency can have significant implications for bone health and overall well-being in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively evaluate the impact of carbamazepine and sodium valproate on vitamin D status in ambulatory epileptic children.
  • To assess changes in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorus levels during anticonvulsant therapy.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 51 epileptic children treated with carbamazepine or sodium valproate over three years.
  • Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorus were measured at baseline and every three months.
  • Patients were grouped based on treatment duration, and comparisons were made with a control group of 80 healthy children.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in vitamin D or related parameters were observed between controls and patients before treatment.
  • A statistically significant decreasing trend in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (P < .03) and an increasing trend in serum parathyroid hormone (P < .04) were noted from baseline through three years of treatment.
  • Nearly half (49%) of the pediatric patients developed hypovitaminosis D during the study period.

Conclusions:

  • Carbamazepine and sodium valproate therapy are associated with the development of hypovitaminosis D in children.
  • The findings highlight the need for monitoring vitamin D status in pediatric patients receiving these anticonvulsant medications.

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