title: Biochemical variables related to calcium metabolism in epileptics.
abstract: Five biochemical variables, S-Ca, U-Ca, S-P, U-P and S-ALP, all involved in calcium metabolism, have been investigated in 86 epileptics on long-term medication. We found hypocalciuria in half of the epileptics and increased S-ALP in one third. In contrast to earlier reports there was no hypocalcemia, whereas hypercalcemia was found in 7 epileptics. We have previously reported a high frequency of fractures in these epileptics. An increased fracture rate was found in the 13 epileptics with both hypocalciuria and increased S-ALP, indicating osteomalacia.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000097:blood*; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000652:urine; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010018:Osteomalacia / Q000139:chemically induced; D010634:Phenobarbital / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010710:Phosphates / Q000378:metabolism*; D011324:Primidone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D010710:Phosphates; D011324:Primidone; D002220:Carbamazepine; D010672:Phenytoin; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase; D002118:Calcium; D010634:Phenobarbital