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Bone mineral metabolism changes in epileptic children receiving valproic acid
Author(s) -
Öner N,
Kaya M,
Karasalihoğlu S,
Karaca H,
Çeltik C,
Tütüncüler F
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2004.00431.x
Subject(s) - medicine , osteopenia , bone mineral , valproic acid , osteocalcin , trochanter , femoral neck , osteoporosis , femur , endocrinology , epilepsy , surgery , alkaline phosphatase , biochemistry , chemistry , psychiatry , enzyme
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) in epileptic children receiving valproic acid (VPA) and to determine differences between osteopenic and non‐osteopenic children. Methods: Thirty‐three epileptic children, receiving VPA for at least 6 months, were compared with 33 healthy children for BMD. BMD was measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry at lumbar vertebrae, femoral neck and greater trochanter. Serum calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphates, osteocalcin and VPA levels were also determined. Results: Patient's osteocalcin levels were significantly higher ( P = 0.02) and femur and trochanter BMD values were significantly lower ( P = 0.04 and P = 0.03, respectively). Duration of VPA therapy was significantly longer and doses of VPA were significantly higher in seven osteopenic patients compared with 26 non‐osteopenic patients. Osteopenic patients (4.6 ± 2.4 years) were younger than non‐osteopenic patients (7.8 ± 3.2 years) ( P = 0.01). Conclusion: Long‐term and high dose VPA therapy may cause osteopenia, primarily in younger epileptic children. These patients should be followed closely by BMD measurements.