[Insulin resistance in epileptic patients during treatment of valproic acid].
To investigate the possible role of valproic acid therapy in the development of the weight gain and hyperinsulinemia of epileptic patients.



The weight and fasting insulin levels were measured in 43 epileptic patients treated with valproic acid (VPA) alone and 39 patients with carbamazepine (CBZ) alone for at last 2 years. The body mass index (BMI) and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index were studied in the two groups.



BMI was higher in the VPA-treated group (23.47+/-1.45) than that in the CBZ-treated group (22.27+/-2.10, P<0.05). Fasting insulin level and HOMA index in the VPA group were also higher [(6.64+/-0.79)mU/L and 1.33+/-0.21] than those in the CBZ group [(5.52+/- 0.52)mU/L, P<0.01; 1.15+/-0.12, P<0.01]. While BMI in the VPA group showed no significant correlation with plasma concentration and dose of valproate.



VPA therapy is associated with significantly greater weight gain and hyperinsulinemia, suggesting development of insulin resistance.
Ding
Mei-ping
MP
The Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China. dingmeiping@tom.com
Bao
Ying-ying
YY
Chen
Zhong
Z
Liu
Zhi-rong
ZR
Xu
Long-long
LL
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008297:Male; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects
D014635:Valproic Acid