Effect of Long-Term Carbamazepine Therapy on Serum Lipids, Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Levels in Children

Abstract

Serum triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), vitamin B12 and folic acid levels were studied in 16 children with epilepsy who had been receiving carbamazepine (CBZ), and in 16 healthy children. Our purpose was to determine whether there was any effect of CBZ therapy on serum lipids, vitamin B12 and folic acid levels. Age ranged from 5 to 19 years (12.25 ± 3.79 years) and 5.5 to 18 years (12.16 ± 3.53 years) in the study and control groups, respectively. The duration of CBZ therapy in the patients was between 1 and 4.5 years (3.01 ± 1.04 years). Serum CBZ level varied between 4 and 12 μg/ml (6.26 ± 2.07 μg/ml). There was no statistically significant difference in serum triglycerides, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C or vitamin B12. However, mean folic acid level was found to be lower in the study group than that of the control group (p <0.05). Nonetheless, serum folic acid levels were within the normal range in all patients. Our study demonstrated that CBZ therapy does not affect serum lipids, vitamin B12 and folic acid levels, and may safely be used with regard to these parameters in children.; Indications:16 patients with epilepsy.; Results:There was no statistical difference in serum TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL- C and vitamin B12. Mean folic acid level was found to be lower in the Tegretol group than that of the control group. Serum folic acid levels were within the normal range in all patients. Serum Tegretol ranged from 4 -12 mcg/ml (mean 6.26 mcg/ml).; Patients:32 patients. Tegretol group: 16 patients, 9 males and 7 female, aged 5- 19 years (12.25 ± 3.79). Control group: 16 healthy subjects, 7 male and 9 female, aged 5.5-18 years (12.16 ± 3.53).; TypeofStudy:The effect of Tegretol therapy on the serum lipid profile, cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), and folic acid levels in children with epilepsy was studied.; DosageDuration:Serum levels ranged from 4-12 μg/ml (6.26 ± 2.07 μg/ml). Dosage not stated. Duration: between 1-4.5 years (3.01 ± 1.04).; AdverseEffects:No adverse events were mentioned.; AuthorsConclusions:In conclusion, our findings showed that CBZ did not affect the serum lipid profile or serum B12 and folic acid levels, and may be safely used with regard to these parameters in children.; FreeText:Tests: fasting serum levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), vitamin B12, and folic acid, and serum Tegretol levels in the patient group. Serum TG, TC and HDL-C concentrations were measured by a colometric photometric method. Serum vitamin B12 and folic acid levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Serum Tegretol (carbamazepine) level was measured by fluorescence polarization immunoassay using Abbott Laboratories Diagnostics kits.