BIOTIN CATABOLISM IS ACCELERATED IN ADULTS RECEIVING LONG-TERM THERAPY WITH ANTICONVULSANTS

Using serum biotin concentration as the indicator, a previous study re ported biotin deficiency resulting from long-term anticonvulsant thera py. However, serum biotin may not be a good indicator of tissue biotin status. Using better indicators of biotin status in anticonvulsant-tr eated subjects, me found increased urinary excretion of biotin catabol ites and 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid, an organic acid produced in greater quantities secondary to reduced activity of a biotin-dependent carbox ylase. We conclude that anticonvulsant treatment led to increased biot in catabolism and probably to reduced biotin status.