Evolution of subclinical hypothyroidism in children treated with antiepileptic drugs.
The concentration levels of serum free thyroxine, serum free triiodothyronine, and thyroid-stimulating hormone were measured in 20 children receiving carbamazepine, 32 children receiving valproic acid, and 5 children receiving phenobarbital at the following times: (1) during chronic treatment, and (2) 3 months after the end of treatment with antiepileptic drugs. Patients during chronic treatment revealed significant changes in serum thyroid hormones, especially the children treated with carbamazepine and valproic acid. A number of children receiving long-term therapy with the two last antiepileptic drugs had varying grades of subclinical hypothyroidism. Three months after the end of treatment, a complete return to normal of all parameters was observed. These data demonstrate that the changes induced by these drugs are transient and reversible.
Castro-Gago
Manuel
M
Servicio de Neuropediatría, Departamento de Pediatría, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. pdcastro@usc.es
Novo-Rodríguez
María Inés
MI
Gómez-Lado
Carmen
C
Rodríguez-García
Javier
J
Rodríguez-Segade
Santiago
S
Eirís-Puñal
Jesús
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007037:Hypothyroidism / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D013963:Thyroid Hormones / Q000097:blood
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D013963:Thyroid Hormones