J Korean Child Neurol Soc.  1997 Oct;5(1):52-58.

Bone Mineral Density in Epileptic Children Who Received Long-term Anticonvulsant Drugs

• Kim TJ
• Suh ES

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
: Bone mineral density is influenced by genetic, hormonal and exogenous factor that adversely affect peak mineral density include cigarette smoking, physical disability, poor calcium intake and certain medication include steroid and anticonvulsant drugs. We studied epileptic children receiving 6months above, to document change of bone mineral density by anticonvulsant drugs.
METHODS
From July 1, 1996 to September 1, 1996 lumbar bone mineral density was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 27 children treated with anticonvulsant drugs 6months above (age ranged : 4-13 year) in Soonchunghyang University hospital. The subjects were classified into 3 groups : treated with carbamazepine alone, valproate alone and combined group.
RESULTS
1) Mean age of carbamazepine group was 10.2+/-2.42yrs(6-l4yr), duration of therapy was 22.1+/-13.9 months(6-44 months), mean value of bone mineral densities were 0.668+/-0.128g/cm2(0.548-0.927). Though it was lower than control group in 8, 9, 10, 12, 13 year, had not statistical significance. 2) Mean age of valproate group was 9.8+/-2.92yrs(6-l3yr), duration of therapy was 40.5 +/-22.2months(17-79month), mean value of bone mineral densities were 0.618+/-0.097g/cm2(0.516-0.788). Though it was lower than control group in 7, 10, 13 year, had not statistical significance. 3) Mean age of combined group was 7.9+/-3.2yrs(4-l4yr), duration of therapy was 37.5 +/-24.7months(12-88month), mean value of bone mineral densities were 0.602+/-0.109 g/cm2(0.552-0.807). Though it was lower than control group in 7, 8, 10 year, had not statistical significance.
CONCLUSION
Because growing children is more sensitive than adult, in case of receiving long-term anticonvulsant therapy, it is important that early detection and prevention of abnormal bone mineralization by appropriate monitoring.

MeSH Terms

Absorptiometry, Photon
Adult
Anticonvulsants*
Bone Density*
Calcification, Physiologic
Calcium
Carbamazepine
Child*
Humans
Smoking
Valproic Acid
Anticonvulsants
Calcium
Carbamazepine
Valproic Acid