Insulin resistance in epileptic patients during treatment of valproic acid.
- Author:
Mei-ping DING
1
;
Ying-ying BAO
;
Zhong CHEN
;
Zhi-rong LIU
;
Long-long XU
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Adult; Body Mass Index; Epilepsy; drug therapy; metabolism; Female; Humans; Insulin Resistance; Male; Valproic Acid; adverse effects; Weight Gain; drug effects
- From: Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2004;33(3):216-218
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVETo investigate the possible role of valproic acid therapy in the development of the weight gain and hyperinsulinemia of epileptic patients.
METHODSThe 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.
RESULTBMI 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.
CONCLUSIONVPA therapy is associated with significantly greater weight gain and hyperinsulinemia, suggesting development of insulin resistance.
