1. Bone mineral metabolism changes in epileptic children receiving valproic acid.
- Author
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Oner N, Kaya M, Karasalihoğlu S, Karaca H, Celtik C, and Tütüncüler F
- Subjects
- Absorptiometry, Photon, Adolescent, Alkaline Phosphatase blood, Anticonvulsants adverse effects, Bone Diseases, Metabolic chemically induced, Calcium blood, Calcium metabolism, Child, Child, Preschool, Diet, Femur diagnostic imaging, Femur physiopathology, Humans, Lumbar Vertebrae diagnostic imaging, Lumbar Vertebrae physiopathology, Osteocalcin blood, Osteocalcin drug effects, Osteocalcin metabolism, Valproic Acid adverse effects, Anticonvulsants therapeutic use, Bone Density drug effects, Epilepsy drug therapy, Valproic Acid therapeutic use
- Abstract
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.
- Published
- 2004
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