Bone turnover markers in epileptic patients under chronic valproate therapy

BACKGROUND The effects of chronic valproic acid administration on bone health have been a matter of concern and controversy. In this study, the bone status following valproate intake was assessed by using several bone-related biochemical markers. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this case-control study, 62 epileptic patients and 40 age- and gender-matched controls were enrolled. The patients had been under chronic valproate therapy (758 ± 29 mg/day) for at least the past 6 months, without any vitamin D/or calcium supplementation. Serum markers of bone turnover (carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase [BALP]), calcium, phosphorus, total alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone levels were measured in both groups. RESULTS The markers of bone turnover as well as other measured bone biochemical parameters did not statistically differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION Valproate therapy at the mentioned doses does not seem to change bone turnover in adult epileptic patients.