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Isolation, Characterization, And High Throughput Extracellular Flux Analysis of Mouse Primary Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells
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Published on: June 20, 2018

Evaluation of renal tubular function in children taking anti-epileptic treatment

Bulent Unay1, Ridvan Akin, S Umit Sarici

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Güdhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey. bulentunay@yahoo.com

Nephrology (Carlton, Vic.)
|January 4, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Valproate and carbamazepine anti-epileptic drugs may impair renal tubular function in children, as indicated by elevated N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase levels. Lamotrigine showed no significant effect on kidney function in this study.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Pharmacology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder affecting children.
  • Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are crucial for managing seizures but can have side effects.
  • Renal tubular function is vital for maintaining homeostasis and can be affected by certain medications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of specific AEDs on renal tubular function in pediatric patients.
  • To assess whether valproate, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, or combination therapy affects kidney function.

Main Methods:

  • Urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity was measured in 114 epileptic children.
  • Patients were on monotherapy with valproate, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, or combined therapy.
  • NAG levels were compared to a control group, and correlations with drug concentration and therapy duration were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Valproate, carbamazepine, and polytherapy significantly elevated urinary NAG levels compared to controls.
  • Lamotrigine treatment did not result in significant changes in NAG levels.
  • Elevated NAG levels correlated with longer treatment duration and higher serum concentrations of valproate and carbamazepine.

Conclusions:

  • Valproate and carbamazepine therapy in children may be associated with impaired renal tubular function.
  • Lamotrigine appears to be a safer alternative regarding renal tubular effects.
  • Monitoring renal function is advisable for children on long-term valproate or carbamazepine treatment.
Abstract

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