Thyroid function profile in children with epilepsy receiving sodium valproate monotherapy: a cross-sectional study from North India

Vollständiger Abstract

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Background: To evaluate the thyroid function profile in children with epilepsy receiving sodium valproate monotherapy for at least six months and to determine the prevalence and correlates of thyroid dysfunction. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted at a tertiary care centre in Jaipur, Rajasthan, over 12 months (January–December 2024). Sixty-five children aged 1–17 years on sodium valproate monotherapy for a minimum of six months were enrolled by consecutive sampling. Thyroid function tests (free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)) were measured at enrollment and compared with baseline values obtained prior to therapy initiation. Thyroid status was classified as euthyroid, subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH >5 µIU/ml with normal fT3 and fT4) or overt hypothyroidism. Associations with age, sex, valproate dose and duration of therapy were analyzed using the chi-square test and paired t-test. Results: After ≥6 months of valproate therapy, 44.62% of children developed subclinical hypothyroidism, 20.00% developed overt hypothyroidism and only 35.38% remained euthyroid. Paired t-test revealed significant increases in mean TSH (2.25±0.37 vs 5.49±2.68 µIU/ml; p