Serum insulin, cortisol, leptin, neuropeptide Y, galanin and ghrelin levels in epileptic children receiving valproate.

AIMS: The objective of this study was to investigate the cause of valproate (VPA)-associated weight gain in children.

METHODS

Eighteen children (10.94 ± 3.78 years) with epilepsy were assigned to VPA therapy. Serum levels of glucose, insulin, cortisol, leptin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), galanin and ghrelin were assessed before (month 0) and after 18 months of therapy. Eighteen age- and gender-matched patients (10.78 ± 3.95 years) were enrolled as the control group.

RESULTS

Excess per capita weight of 2.3 kg was determined in the children receiving VPA over 18 months compared to the control group. In these patients, a statistically significant increase in standardized weight score, Homeostasis Model Assessment index, serum leptin, NPY and galanin values was determined at the 18th month compared to those before VPA treatment and in the control group, and there was also a significant decrease in ghrelin values.

CONCLUSION

Increased serum levels of leptin, NPY and galanin play an important role in VPA-associated weight gain in children. While ghrelin is not directly associated with weight gain, its serum levels decline as a response to weight gain.