Effect of using carbamazepine versus sodium valproate (Valproic acid)‎ on thyroid function and volume in epileptic children

Abstract EN

Background: Carbamazepine (CBZ) and sodium valproate (VPA) are antiepileptic drugs for Partial and generalized tonic-colonic seizures, but in the last few years several authors have reported that antiepileptic drugs may induce some changes in the endocrine System (1) Aims: The aim of the present study _ was to investigate the effects of carbamazepine versus valporate on thyroid function and volume in epileptic children.

Methods: Sixty eight epileptic children (aged 5-15 years) at least treated for 6 months with carbamazepine (n=38), or valporate (n=30) and healthy children at the same age and sex used as a control group(n=40), were evaluated in terms of thyroid hormones, TSH and thyroid volume.

Results: It was found that FT4 was low in carbamazepine group whereas other thyroid functions were normal.

Sodium Valproate has no significant effect on thyroid functions; there was no change in all groups in thyroid volume.

There was a statistically significant correlation between level of FT4 and duration of therapy in carbamazepine group.

Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that carpamazepine decrease serum FT4 levels, while valporate has ho effect on thyroid function.

So, it is recommended to do regular follow up of thyroid function in epileptic children receiving carbamazepine.