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Thyroid dysfunction associated with increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in epileptic children treated with

Achilleas Attilakos1, Anastasia Garoufi, Konstantinos Voudris

  • 1Second Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens, Panagiotis and Aglaia Kyriakou Children's Hospital Athens, 1 Dimitsanis Street, Marousi, 15125 Athens, Greece. attilakos@hotmail.com

European Journal of Paediatric Neurology : EJPN : Official Journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society
|April 13, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Carbamazepine (CBZ) monotherapy in children with epilepsy can lead to thyroid dysfunction and lipid abnormalities. This study found a link between elevated TSH and LDL-C levels during CBZ treatment, suggesting increased atherosclerotic risk.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Clinical Neurology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) like carbamazepine (CBZ) are associated with lipid abnormalities and thyroid dysfunction.
  • Prospective data on the interplay between lipid profiles and thyroid function in children on CBZ monotherapy is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively evaluate the association between thyroid function and lipid profiles in pediatric patients receiving carbamazepine (CBZ) monotherapy.

Main Methods:

  • 18 epileptic children on CBZ monotherapy were assessed for thyroid function and serum lipid profiles.
  • Measurements were taken before CBZ initiation and at 6, 12, and 24 months of treatment.

Main Results:

  • All children had normal thyroid function pre-treatment.
  • CBZ therapy induced thyroid dysfunction, characterized by increased TSH and decreased T4, FT4, and T3 levels.
  • A significant association was observed between elevated TSH and increased LDL-C at 6 and 12 months.

Conclusions:

  • CBZ monotherapy in children may cause lipid abnormalities linked to thyroid hormone disturbances.
  • The co-occurrence of thyroid dysfunction and hypercholesterolemia raises concerns about increased atherosclerotic risk.
  • Epileptic patients on CBZ monotherapy require careful monitoring for thyroid and lipid changes.
Abstract

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