Abstracts

Rationale: Valproate is an effective antiepileptic agent for generalized and partial seizures. One of the major side effects of the treatment with valproate is weight gain. Here, we aimed to describe the changes in anthropometric measurements, body composition and laboratory results in epileptic children treated with valproate. Methods: Non-obese children diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy were included in this study. Anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, waist and hip circumferences) were measured. Total body water (TBW), intracellular water (ICW), extracellular water (ECW), fat free mass index (FFMI), body fat mass index (BFMI), fat percentage and basal metabolic rate (BMR) were calculated with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) at the beginning, third month and sixth month of valproate treatment. Before the treatment and at the control visits fasting serum glucose, lipids, insulin levels and thyroid hormone values were recorded. Results were compared with pretreatment values. Results: There were 25 (17 boys, 8 girls) non-obese children with idiopathic epilepsy with a mean age of 8.21±3.96 years. Treatment related side effects were seen in 3/25 (12%) of the patients, one patient had hair loss and other two patients developed elevated liver enzymes during the treatment. Mean values of anthropometric measurements, BIA and laboratory results of the patients were summarized in tables 1 and 2. BIA showed similar values of fat percentage and TBW between 0., 3. and 6.months follow up of the patients (p>0.05). However, ECW and ICW percentages of the patients were significantly decreased between 0.-3. months and 0.-6.months of the treatment (p<0.05). In addition, BMI, BMR, BFMI and FFMI values of the patients were significantly increased when we correlate the 0.-3. months and 0.-6.months of the treatment (p<0.05). In the laboratory results, similar values of fasting glucose, insulin, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL and fT3 were detected at the 6. month follow up (p>0.05). Free T4 levels were significantly decreased and TSH levels were significantly increased between the 0. and 3. months results. In addition, TSH levels were significantly increased between the 0. and 6. months results of the treatment (p<0.05). Conclusions: BIA may be a useful technique to assess the effects of the valproate treatment. More investigations are needed to explain the effect of valproate on body composition.