Serum Biotinidase Activity in Children Treated With Valproic Acid and Carbamazepine

    May 2009 in “ Journal of child neurology ”
    Manuel Castro‐Gago, Carmen Gómez-Lado, Jesús Eirís-Puñal, Isabel Díaz-Mayo, Daisy E. Castiñeiras-Ramos
    From the encyclopedia
    Valproic acid →

    an anticonvulsant repurposed for hair loss via histone inhibition

    Biotin →

    supplement to help with hair texture and quality

    Studysummary In this study, valproic acid treatment did not significantly affect serum biotinidase enzyme activity in children, but was associated with hair loss in some patients, which resolved with biotin supplementation. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
    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.
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