The Effect of Valproic Acid and Levetiracetam on Bone Metabolism in Children with Epilepsy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is not an uncommon neurological condition among Egyptian children. Early diagnosis of bone metabolism abnormalities in epileptic children using biochemical markers could be a valuable issue. One of these markers is the total serum vitamin D level which can provide a novel insight into the pathogenesis of the bone metabolism disorders. Aim: To explore the function of total serum vitamin D in children with epilepsy receiving valproic acid or levetiracetam or both and to correlate lowered level with development of bone metabolism disorders. Patients and methods: This case-control study was conducted at Zagazig University's paediatric neurology and endocrinology centre and paediatric outpatient clinic Hospitals on 70 children. Patients were divided into control Group: included 35 children with epilepsy as a control group and case group: included 35 children with epilepsy subdivided into 3 subgroups according to the type of treatment: BI: 10 patients received Navalporate, BII: 10 patients received levatiracetam and BIII: 15 patients received both of Navalporate+ levatiracetam. All patients were subjected to laboratory and Z ray investigations. Results: There is statistically significance compared to the other investigated groups, the case group had significantly lower levels of vitamin D. Statistically, there is a significant difference between the studied groups concerning osteopenia changes which was significantly higher in case group (40%) than control group (0%). There is no statistically significant difference between the treatment groups osteopenia changes. Conclusion: Antiepileptic medicines had a deleterious impact on bone health, with no discernible differences between LEV and VPA.

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