Insulin-related metabolic and endocrine effects of valproate in patients with epilepsy

Abstract The purpose of this study was to elucidate the background of valproate-related weight gain and hyperinsulinaemia both in men and women by studying markers of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. In addition, the role of leptin, a messenger between adipose tissue and the central nervous system was studied. Valproate has a broad spectrum of antiepileptic activity and is widely used for the treatment of epilepsy. It has been the drug of choice for generalised epilepsy, such as juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, and it is also effective for treatment of partial seizures. In addition, valproate is used to treat other diseases, such as bipolar psychiatric disorders and migraine. The results show that valproate-treated patients have higher serum insulin levels in relation to body mass index than control subjects. This indicates that the high serum insulin levels are not a consequence of increased body mass, especially, as the body mass index did not differ between the VPA treated patients and the control groups. Valproate therapy started at a young age may more often result in elevated serum insulin levels and associated other untoward metabolic changes. Furthermore, according to the present data, high serum insulin levels are a consequence of compromised metabolism of insulin in the liver, rather than reflecting reduced insulin sensitivity. However, the valproate-treated patients cluster risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, although the occurrence of metabolic syndrome is not more common in valproate-treated patients than in control subjects. Leptin does not play an independent role in valproate-related weight gain

Modification in body weight associated with antiepileptic drugs Alteração de peso corpóreo associado às drogas antiepilépticas

Antiepileptic drugs (AED) may cause body weight changes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dietary habits and body weight associated with AED in epileptic patients. METHOD: Sixty-six patients were subjected to two interviews, and had their weight and body mass index calculated and compared at both times, interval between six to eight months. RESULTS: It was observed that 59.1% showed weight gain. The patients who had no weight gain had a greater proportion of individuals who engaged in some form of physical activity. However, of the 45 patients who maintained their initial dietary and medication pattern, 75.6% recorded a weight gain. Weight gain was seen in 66.7% of patients on carbamazepine (n=18), 60% on valproate (n=5), 50% on carbamazepine+clobazam treatment (n=14), and 58.3% of patients on other(s) polytherapy (n=12). CONCLUSION: The patient should be alerted to possible weight gain, and should be advised about dieting and participating in regular physical activity.<br>Drogas antiepilépticas (DAE) podem causar alteração do peso corpóreo. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o hábito alimentar e do peso corpóreo associado às DAE em pacientes epilépticos. MÉTODO: Sessenta e seis pacientes foram submetidos a duas entrevistas, e tiveram peso e índice de massa corpórea (IMC) calculados e comparados nos dois momentos, com intervalo de 6 a 8 meses. RESULTADOS: Apresentaram aumento de peso 59,1% dos pacientes. Porém, os pacientes que não tiveram ganho de peso apresentaram maior proporção de indivíduos desenvolvendo alguma atividade física. Enquanto que dentre os 45 que mantiveram o padrão alimentar e medicação inicial 75,6% registraram ganho de peso. Observou-se ganho de peso em 66,7% dos pacientes com carbamazepina (n=18); 60% com valproato (n=5); 50% com carbamazepina e clobazam (n=14); 58,3% dos pacientes com politerapia (n=12). CONCLUSÃO: Deve-se alertar o paciente sobre o ganho de peso, orientar quanto à dieta alimentar e, principalmente, incentivar atividade física regular