Changes in body mass index during long-term topiramate therapy in paediatric epilepsy patients--a retrospective analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of topiramate (TPM) on body mass index (BMI) in paediatric epilepsy patients and to examine predictors of weight loss.


METHODS
Retrospective, observational study.


METHODS
University clinic epilepsy outpatient department.


METHODS
Patients below age 18 years who received TPM for at least 12 months.


RESULTS
Changes in BMI (kg/m2) standard deviation scores (S.D.S.) from baseline to the follow-up periods of 12, 24 and 36 months were evaluated. The repeated measures t-test for paired samples, revealed significant decreases for BMI S.D.S. at 12 months (P = 0.004; n = 53) and 24 months (P = 0.044; n = 35), but no significant decrease at 36 months (n = 21). Analysis of variance revealed a predictor value of sex for BMI S.D.S. at 12 months (females more likely to lose weight; P = 0.037) and a predictor value of baseline BMI for BMI S.D.S. at 24 months (patients with a higher baseline BMI were more likely to lose weight; P = 0.047).


CONCLUSIONS
Weight loss is common in paediatric epilepsy patients who receive TPM and is sustained for at least one year. The pattern of weight loss differs according to sex and baseline BMI.
Department of Paediatrics, Division of General Paediatrics, University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
Edith
E
Reiter
Martha
M
Feucht
Erwin
E
Hauser
Michael
M
Freilinger
Rainer
R
Seidl
D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005632:Fructose / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D000077236:Topiramate
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000077236:Topiramate; D005632:Fructose