Antiepileptic drug therapy and serum carnitine levels in children prior to and following treatment

ABSTRACT

The physiologic function of carnitine, oxidation of fatty acid and lipid metabolism, is severely affected in carnitine deficiency, secondary forms of which lead to renal tubular disorders and chronic renal failure. Reduction in serum carnitine has been frequently reported in patients and experimental animals treated with antiepileptic drugs, one of which, valproic acid has consistently been found to cause the deficiency; the antiepileptic drugs, valproic acid, has consistently been found to cause the deficiency. Previous results, however, regarding the effects of other antiepileptic drugs have been less consistent. Considering the controversial results available in lterarure, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of Valproic acid, Carbamazepine and Phenobarbital on serum carnitine levels in epileptic children. In the present study, serum carnitine levels were randomly monitored before and six months after therapy in 39 epileptic patients receiving the antiepileptic drugs mentioned. Patient blood samples were taken before and six months after treatment and L-carnitine level was determined using the UV enzymatic test [Rouche Kit] spectronic Genesis 2, 340 nm. Results showed a significant fall in the L-carnitine levels of epileptic children taking these drugs [P< 0.01]. Considering the reducing effect of antiepileptic drugs on serum carnitine levels, it is recommended that a carnitine supplement be administered in pediatric epileptic patients to prevent the deficiency and related consequences caused by such therapies