Publication: Serum Homocysteine Levels in Indian Children on Valproate Monotherapy
Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nepal Paediatric Society (JNPS)
Abstract
Abstract:
Introduction: Various research works have reported elevated serum homocysteine levels with the use of antiepileptic drugs. This may lead to an increased risk of atherosclerosis, a higher seizure frequency and may also cause cognitive decline.
Methods: Twenty five children (Two to 12 years) on valproate monotherapy for more than one year and the same number of age and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Venous blood samples were analyzed for serum homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folic acid levels. All biochemical parameters were compared between the groups.
Results: The antiepileptic drug users had significantly lower serum homocysteine levels and higher B12 levels as compared to the controls. But serum folate levels were similar between the groups. No correlation of serum homocysteine levels was observed with either serum folate, B12 or valproate.
Conclusions: The use of valproate monotherapy for epilepsy in the Indian paediatric population does not increase the risk of hyperhomocysteinemia.
Description
Shikha Swaroop
Assistant Professor, Manipal Tata Medical College, Jamshedpur, India
Medha Mittal
Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya, Delhi, India
Smita Nair
Assistant Professor, SMS and R, Sharda Hospital, Delhi, India
Reetika Saini
Research Officer, Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi, India
Jyoti Bagla
Professor and HOD, Department of Paediatrics, ESI Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Basaidarapur, Delhi, India
Keywords
Folic acid, Homocysteine, Vitamin B12, sodium valproate