N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase and beta-galactosidase activity in children receiving antiepileptic drugs

To evaluate renal tubular function in children receiving antiepileptic drug s the urinary activity of two lysosomal enzymes, N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminid ase and beta-galactosidase, were measured. The enzyme levels were determine d before the administration of antiepileptic drugs and 8 months after. Four teen epileptic children received valproate, and 17 received carbamazepine, The urinary activity of these enzymes in 25 healthy control patients also w as examined. Increased N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase activity was found in 50% of patients taking valproate and in 17.6% of patients taking carbamazep ine. Increased beta-galactosidase activity was found in 28.5% of patients t aking valproate and 11.7% of patients taking carbamazepine compared with th e results before treatment. On the basis of these results, it is suggested that patients taking antiepileptic drugs, especially valproate, may demonst rate minor signs of tubular dysfunction. In those patients who use these dr ugs at increased dosage levels or for long periods, the possibility of tubu lar dysfunction may be increased, and these dysfunctions may manifest in cl inical symptoms. (C) 1999 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.