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Evaluation of thyroid function and thyroid volume in pediatric epileptic patients receiving levetiracetam monotherapy

Damla Sel Çoban1, Nur Çalışkan2, Aycan Ünalp2

  • 1Department of Pediatric, University of Health Sciences, Uz Children's Hospital, Dr. Behçet, İzmir, Turkey. damlasel1996@gmail.com.

European Journal of Pediatrics
|January 25, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Levetiracetam, an anti-seizure medication, showed no significant impact on thyroid function or volume in children over six months. Short-term use appears safe for thyroid health, despite a minor decrease in thyroid volume standard deviation score.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Levetiracetam is a common anti-seizure medication (ASM) in pediatric epilepsy with a generally favorable safety profile.
  • Limited data exist on levetiracetam's specific effects on pediatric thyroid function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate changes in thyroid function tests and ultrasonographic thyroid volume in children on levetiracetam monotherapy.
  • To assess the safety of levetiracetam concerning thyroid health in pediatric epilepsy patients.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, single-center study included 40 children (3 months-18 years) on levetiracetam monotherapy.
  • Thyroid function tests (fT3, fT4, TSH, Anti-TPO, Anti-Tg) and thyroid volume were measured at baseline and 6 months.
  • Data were analyzed using age-adjusted standard deviation scores (SDS).

Main Results:

  • No statistically significant differences were observed in fT3, fT4, TSH, Anti-TPO, or Anti-Tg levels between baseline and 6 months.
  • Absolute thyroid volume showed no significant change.
  • A statistically significant decrease in thyroid volume standard deviation score (SDS) was noted (p=0.018).

Conclusions:

  • Six-month levetiracetam monotherapy did not significantly alter thyroid hormone levels or autoantibodies in children.
  • Absolute thyroid volume remained stable, though a decrease in thyroid volume SDS suggests potential subtle changes.
  • Short-term levetiracetam use appears safe for thyroid function in pediatric epilepsy patients.

Keywords:
EpilepsyLevetiracetamThyroid functionThyroid volumeUltrasonography

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