Abstract

Objectives: Epilepsy is a chronic disease that requires long-term antiepileptic therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the side effects of valproate, the most commonly used antiepileptic, on bone mineral metabolism.

Patients and Methods: The study comprised of 61 patients (38 girls, 28 boys; mean age 81.2±44.5 months; range 12 to 168 months) who received valproate because of epilepsy or prophylaxis of febrile seizures. All cases were evaluated in terms of bone mineral metabolism disturbances by assessing bone mineral density and biochemistry parameters, before and after 12 months of valproate therapy.

Results: At the end of one year of valproate therapy, there were no statistically significant differences in calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase levels that might show bone mineralization disturbance. Osteoporosis was recorded in two cases (3.3%).

Conclusion: The side effects of valproate on bone mineral metabolism are usually contradictory. In order to determine osteopenia signs; bone biochemistry, 25- OH vitamin D3, hormonal parameters and bone mineral density, which are not enough for evaluation alone, have to be evaluated together. Patients taking valproate therapy should have bone mineral density measurements yearly, because mineral changes in bone (defeats) could not be predicted with these biochemical parameters beforehand.