Serum Biotinidase Activity in Children Treated With Valproic Acid and Carbamazepine

The study investigated the serum biotinidase enzyme activity in 57 children treated with valproic acid, 17 children treated with carbamazepine, and 75 healthy controls. Results showed no significant differences in serum biotinidase activity among the groups. However, hyperammonemia was found in 8 patients on valproic acid, and hair loss was observed in 3 female patients on valproic acid, which resolved with biotin supplementation (10 mg/day) over 3 months. The findings suggested that valproic acid treatment did not alter serum biotinidase enzyme activity.