Evaluation ofserum free carnitine/acylcarnitine levels and left ventricular systolic functions in children with idiopathic epilepsy receiving valproic acid.

OBJECTIVES: In the study, the effect of valproic acid on serum free/acylcarnitine levels and left ventricular systolic function in pediatric patients with idiopathic epilepsy receiving valproic acid was investigated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients receiving valproic acid treatment for six months between January 2012 and December 2012 were evaluated. Blood samples were obtained from the participants twice (pretreatment and the sixth month of treatment) and serum-free and acylcarnitine levels (from C2 to C18:1-OH) were measured using tandem mass spectrometry. Cardiac functions (ejection fraction, shortening fraction, cardiac output, left ventricular systolic and diastolic diameters, left atrial diameter, aortic diameter, cardiac output, and myocardial performance index) were evaluated by echocardiography simultaneously.

RESULTS: A total of fourty patients, 23 female (57.5%) and 17 male (42.5%), with the diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy and receiving valproic acid monotherapy were studied. Comparison of serum-free and acylcarnitine levels measured pretreatment and sixth month of treatment revealed a decrease in average C0 and C5:1 (respectively p < 0.001, p = 0.013) and an increase in C2, C3, C5-OH, C8:1 and C4-DC levels (respectively p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.019, p = 0.013, p < 0.001). Other serum acylcarnitine levels did not change significantly (p > 0.05). No difference was observed in concurrent echocardiographic measurements of left ventricular systolic function (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that valproic acid treatment results in low levels of free carnitine and changes in some acylcarnitine subgroups but has no influence on left ventricular systolic function.