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Original Article

Author(s): Ali MA, Akter AHMM, Bari MA, Dipu MR, Rabeya T, Ahammad AN, Waliullah AKM, Arafat M

PAH Med Col J. Jul 2025; 2(2): 44-48

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy represents the most frequent neurological condition in the pediatric population, frequently necessitating extended, and occasionally permanent, medical management. Valproic acid (VPA), also known as sodium valproate, is a widely used, broad-spectrum antiepileptic medication for children.

Objective: This investigation aimed to assess alterations in thyroid hormone concentrations in epileptic children following six months of VPA treatment.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the pediatrics department at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. Eighty children with epilepsy, treated exclusively with VPA, were enrolled. Thyroid function tests (FT3, FT4, TSH) were performed before initiating VPA and again six months later.

Results: Among the 80 participants, 49 (61.3%) were male and 31 (38.8%) female. At the six-month follow-up, 19 out of 80 children (23.8%) exhibited subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH >6.63 IU/ml), a statistically significant finding (p<0.001). Only 7.5% of children had FT3 levels below the normal range after six months of therapy.

Conclusion: This study concludes that treatment with VPA carries a risk of inducing subclinical hypothyroidism.

Keywords

Epilepsy, Valproic Acid, Subclinical Hypothyroidism, Antiepileptic drug, Growth retardation

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How to cite: Ali MA, Akter AHMM, Bari MA, Dipu MR, Rabeya T, Ahammad AN, Waliullah AKM, Arafat M. Alteration of Thyroid Hormone Levels in Children with Epilepsy, Treated with Sodium Valproate Monotherapy. PAH Med Col J. Jul 2025; 2(2): 44-48.