Hypothalamic pituitary function testing on children receiving carbamazepine or sodium valproate

An investigation of hypothalamic pituitary axis (HPA) function was performed on children and adolescents receiving long-term monotherapy with either carbamazepine (CBZ) or sodium valproate (NaV). There was a significant reduction in total T4 in the CBZ group. Free T4, T3, and thyroid-stimulating hormone response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone were similar in both groups. All patients produced an adequate growth hormone response to either arginine or L-Dopa. Basal cortisol levels were similar in both groups. An appropriately increased response in luteinising hormone, prolactin, testosterone, and oestradiol occurred in those after puberty. The results suggest that HPA function in children is not compromised by long-term monotherapy with CBZ or NaV.