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Neuropediatrics 2012; 43(03): 135-139
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1313913
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Subclinical Hypothyroidism during Valproic Acid Therapy in Children and Adolescents with Epilepsy

Se Hee Kim
1   Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Clinical Neuroscience Center, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
,
Hye Rim Chung
2   Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University, Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
,
Seung Hyo Kim
3   Department of Pediatrics, Cheju National University, College of Medicine, Cheju, Republic of Korea
,
Hunmin Kim
2   Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University, Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
,
Byung Chan Lim
1   Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Clinical Neuroscience Center, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
,
Jong Hee Chae
1   Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Clinical Neuroscience Center, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
,
Ki Joong Kim
1   Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Clinical Neuroscience Center, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
,
Yong Seung Hwang
1   Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Clinical Neuroscience Center, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
,
Hee Hwang
2   Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University, Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

02 November 2011

19 March 2012

Publication Date:
22 May 2012 (online)

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of thyroid dysfunction during valproic acid (VPA) therapy in children and adolescents with epilepsy. The serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine, and triiodothyronine were evaluated in 61 children with epilepsy who received VPA monotherapy for more than 6 months and in 144 controls. We analyzed the effect of age, seizure type, duration of VPA treatment, dose of VPA, and serum level of VPA on thyroid function. The incidence of subclinical hypothyroidism was significantly higher in patients with VPA therapy than in controls (52.4 vs. 16.7%; p < 0.001). In addition, of the 61 patients, 5 (8.1%) exhibited TSH levels that were >10 μIU/mL. However, none of the patients and controls showed overt hypothyroidism. Serum VPA level and daily dose of VPA were correlated with TSH level. Subclinical hypothyroidism developed frequently in children and adolescents during VPA therapy.

Keywords

hypothyroidism - valproic acid - epilepsy - anticonvulsant - children
 

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