Effect of phenytoin on bone and vitamin D metabolism

R. D. Bell, C. Y C Pak, J. Zerwekh, D. E. Barilla, M. Vasko

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

43 Scopus citations

Abstract

Calcium and vitamin D metabolism were evaluated in 5 adult epileptic patients before and during treatment with phenytoin. Significant decreases occurred in serum concentrations of calcium, albumin, and 25‐hydroxycholecalciferol. The decreases in serum calcium paralleled those in serum albumin. Significant increases occurred in serum alkaline phosphatase and 1α,25‐dihydroxycholecalciferol, in urinary hydroxyproline, and in the fractional gastrointestinal absorption of calcium. Urinary cyclic adenosine monophosphate and serum parathyroid hormone did not change. The results suggest that the bone disease resulting from phenytoin therapy may be associated with a deficiency of 25‐hydroxycholecalciferol and not of 1α,25‐dihydroxycholecalciferol, and that reduced gastrointestinal absorption of calcium or changes in parathyroid function may not be necessary for the development of bone disease.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)374-378
Number of pages5
JournalAnnals of Neurology
Volume5
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 1979

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

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