Lipid profile, apolipoproteins A and B in children with epilepsy.

In this study, lipid profile was assessed, and the intimal wall thickness of both carotid arteries in children with idiopathic epilepsy was measured. The study comprised 22 children with idiopathic epilepsy on either carbamazepine or valproate. A profile including triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density and high-density lipoproteins cholesterol, apolipoproteins AI and B, and Duplex estimation of intimal wall thickness of carotid arteries were performed. Patients on carbamazepine showed increase in total cholesterol, low-density and high-density lipoproteins cholesterol, and decrease in apolipoprotein AI levels compared with controls. Levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins cholesterol, and apolipoprotein AI were reduced in patients receiving valproate compared with controls, whereas total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins cholesterol, and apolipoprotein AI were reduced compared with those receiving carbamazepine. Carotid arteries intimal wall thickness was not significantly changed in any of the studied groups. Although atherogenic ratios are not changed, the lowered apolipoprotein AI levels may suggest an increased risk for coronary heart disease.