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Weight gain and insulin resistance in children treated with valproate: the influence of time

Fabio Masuccio1, Alberto Verrotti, Valentina Chiavaroli

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy.

Journal of Child Neurology
|March 9, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Valproic acid treatment in children is linked to increased body size and insulin resistance. While insulin resistance initially rises, it may later decrease as body size increases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Valproic acid is a widely used antiepileptic and mood-stabilizing medication.
  • Concerns exist regarding its potential side effects, including weight gain and metabolic disturbances.
  • Understanding the relationship between valproic acid, body size, and insulin resistance is crucial for pediatric patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between body size and insulin resistance in children treated with valproic acid.
  • To examine the temporal relationship between valproic acid therapy, body size changes, and insulin resistance.
  • To provide insights for managing potential metabolic consequences of valproic acid treatment.

Main Methods:

  • A two-part study: cross-sectional and longitudinal.
  • Assessment of body size and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).
  • Evaluation of changes over the first year of valproic acid therapy.

Main Results:

  • Cross-sectional analysis showed higher body size and HOMA-IR in children on valproic acid.
  • Longitudinal data revealed a significant increase in body size and insulin resistance during the first year of treatment.
  • Insulin resistance showed a trend to level off with continued body size increase.

Conclusions:

  • Valproic acid treatment in children is associated with increased body size and insulin resistance.
  • The findings highlight the need for monitoring metabolic parameters during therapy.
  • Further research can inform strategies to mitigate weight gain and insulin resistance associated with valproic acid.

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