Bone turnover markers in epileptic patients under chronic valproate therapy

Background: the effects of chronic valproic acid administration on bone health have been a matter of concern and controversy. in this study, the bone status following valproate intake was assessed by using several bone‑related biochemical markers. materials and methods: in this case-control study, 62 epileptic patients and 40 age‑ and gender‑matched controls were enrolled. the patients had been under chronic valproate therapy (758 ± 29 mg/day) for at least the past 6 months, without any vitamin d/or calcium supplementation. serum markers of bone turnover (carboxy‑terminal telopeptide of type i collagen (ctx) and bone‑specific alkaline phosphatase [balp]), calcium, phosphorus, total alkaline phosphatase, and parathyroid hormone levels were measured in both groups. results: the markers of bone turnover as well as other measured bone biochemical parameters did not statistically differ between the two groups. conclusion: valproate therapy at the mentioned doses does not seem to change bone turnover in adult epileptic patients.