Abstract
BackgroundCarnitine deficiency is relatively common in epileptic patients. The risk factors reported include the combination of valproic acid with other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), young age, multiple neurologic disabilities, non-ambulatory status, and being underweight.ObjectivesTo study the level of carnitine deficiency and its associated risk factors among a group of children with idiopathic epilepsy treated with different AEDs.Patients and methodsFifty children with idiopathic epilepsy and 40 age-matched controls were enrolled. For all, serum carnitine level was measured by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsThe mean carnitine level was lower in cases compared to controls (p = 0.04). Patients receiving monotherapy treatment had a high percentage of carnitine deficiency compared to controls (p = 0.04). Patients receiving valproate with other AEDs had a lower level of carnitine compared to controls (p = 0.03). The age of the patients, the duration of treatment, and the doses of different AEDs were not risk factors for carnitine deficiency.ConclusionsCarnitine deficiency is common in our population, and the use of valproate with other AEDs is considered the most important risk factor for it in epileptic children.
Highlights
Carnitine plays essential roles in metabolism the transport of long-chain fatty acids from the cytosol to the mitochondria
Carnitine deficiency is common in our population, and the use of valproate with other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is considered the most important risk factor for it in epileptic children
Our aim in this study is to investigate the level of carnitine deficiency and its associated risk factors among a group of children with idiopathic epilepsy receiving different regimens of AEDs either mono- or polytherapy
Summary
Carnitine plays essential roles in metabolism the transport of long-chain fatty acids from the cytosol to the mitochondria. The majority of carnitine is obtained from diet, mainly animal products, and only a small fraction is obtained endogenously [1]. Carnitine exists in the body in two forms; L-carnitine or AcetylL-Carnitine [2]. The synthesis of these molecules occurs in the kidneys, liver, and brain. Carnitine deficiency may occur secondary to pharmacological therapy such as valproic acid, some inherited metabolic disorders, poor diet or malabsorption of carnitine, increased renal tubular loss, hemodialysis, or. The risk factors reported include the combination of valproic acid with other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), young age, multiple neurologic disabilities, non-ambulatory status, and being underweight
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