[P2-125] Nonalcoholic fatty liver in epileptic children receiving monotherapy of valproic acid and carbamazepine
[Background] Valproic acid and carbamazepine are two of most commonly used antiepileptic drugs in the treatment of epileptic children. Previous issue suggests that after more than ten years of antiepileptic drugs treatment, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were found more in valproic acid-treated adult patients than receiving carbamazepine. However, few data is available about NAFLD and valproic acid-treated epileptic children. We hypothesize that valproic acid does induce nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in treating epileptic children, and try to find out the potential risk factors.
[Methods] 107 epileptic children who received monotherapy of valproic acid and carbamazepine were enrolled. Biochemical data before and after treatment, and demographic characteristics were collected. Liver ultrasonography was performed for determining NAFLD condition.
[Results] Our study demonstrated that the valproic acid-treated epileptic children had a higher percentage of NAFLD than carbamazepine group did (32% vs. 12.3%, p<0.01). Both groups did not differ in the body mass index and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels before and after antiepileptic drugs treatment, neither did total cholesterol, triglyceride and fasting glucose levels after treatment. Valproic acid-induced NAFLD tended to occur in patients older than six years old. Higher ALT level was also found before valproic acid treatment with NAFLD than patients without NAFLD.
[Conclusion] Epileptic children who receive valproic acid monotherapy are susceptible to NAFLD. Therefore, abdominal ultrasound screen is suggested in children older than 6 years old, and those patients who show elevated normal ALT level before treatment.
[Methods] 107 epileptic children who received monotherapy of valproic acid and carbamazepine were enrolled. Biochemical data before and after treatment, and demographic characteristics were collected. Liver ultrasonography was performed for determining NAFLD condition.
[Results] Our study demonstrated that the valproic acid-treated epileptic children had a higher percentage of NAFLD than carbamazepine group did (32% vs. 12.3%, p<0.01). Both groups did not differ in the body mass index and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels before and after antiepileptic drugs treatment, neither did total cholesterol, triglyceride and fasting glucose levels after treatment. Valproic acid-induced NAFLD tended to occur in patients older than six years old. Higher ALT level was also found before valproic acid treatment with NAFLD than patients without NAFLD.
[Conclusion] Epileptic children who receive valproic acid monotherapy are susceptible to NAFLD. Therefore, abdominal ultrasound screen is suggested in children older than 6 years old, and those patients who show elevated normal ALT level before treatment.