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Effect of phenytoin and valproic acid therapy on serum lipid levels and liver function tests

Pooja Dewan1, Anju Aggarwal, M M A Faridi

  • 1Department of Pediatrics,University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi 110 095, India. poojadewan@hotmail.com

Indian Pediatrics
|October 25, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Phenytoin therapy in epileptic children significantly increases total cholesterol (TC) compared to controls. Monitoring serum lipids is recommended for children on phenytoin to manage potential cardiovascular risks.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder in children.
  • Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are the mainstay of treatment.
  • Potential side effects of AEDs on metabolic parameters require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of phenytoin and valproic acid on serum lipids and liver function in epileptic children.
  • To compare lipid profiles and liver function tests between children on monotherapy and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 79 epileptic children on phenytoin or valproic acid monotherapy for at least 6 months.
  • Inclusion of age-matched healthy controls for comparison.
  • Analysis of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, and HDL levels, along with liver function tests.

Main Results:

  • Children on phenytoin therapy showed significantly higher mean total cholesterol (TC) compared to the control group (P=0.03).
  • A higher proportion of children in the phenytoin group had TC > 200 mg/dL.
  • No significant differences were observed in serum triglycerides, LDL, VLDL, or HDL cholesterol among the three groups.

Conclusions:

  • Phenytoin monotherapy in epileptic children is associated with elevated serum total cholesterol.
  • Routine monitoring of serum lipid profiles is advisable for pediatric patients receiving phenytoin.
  • Further research may explore the long-term cardiovascular implications of phenytoin-induced dyslipidemia in children.

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