Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences, cilt.26, sa.4, ss.357-359, 1996 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus, TRDizin)
Anticonvulsant treatment can lead to carnitine deficiency. This study was initiated to examine the influence of anticonvulsants on serum carnitine levels. Serum total, free and carnitine levels of 39 patients aged 1-17 years were determined with a spectrophotometric assay. Patients were divided into four groups: Phenobarbital monotherapy (n=12), carbamazepine monotherapy (n=14), polytherapy (n=13) and a control group (n=14). The ratios of free carnitine in the first three groups were found to be significantly higher than that of the control group, revealing a secondary carnitine deficiency. Among the three groups there were no significant differences in mean carnitine concentrations. This study indicates that phenobarbital, carbamazepine and various combinations of anticonvulsants can cause a reduction in serum carnitine levels in this age group.