[Prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in pediatric patients with drug-resistant epilepsy].

BACKGROUND: In several studies it has been reported a high prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in children with epilepsy secondary to the use of monotherapy with valproic acid, carbamazepine and phenytoin. The aim of this article is to determine the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in children with drug-resistant epilepsy treated at the Pediatric Neurology Service of the Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI in Mexico City.

METHODS: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study. All pediatric patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and without structural alteration seen at the pediatric neurology service of our hospital between January 1 and June 1 2015 were included. Results: Prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in our sample was of 25%, with most patients receiving polytherapy with valproic acid.

CONCLUSIONS: The intentional searching for subclinical hypothyroidism in pediatric patients with drug-resistant epilepsy without structural alteration might be considered as part of routine medical care and patients receiving combination therapy with valproic acid they should be considered as a subgroup with an increased risk of developing such comorbidity.