Biochemical Variables Related to Calcium Metabolism in Epileptics

Abstract
Biochemical variables (5), S-Ca, U-Ca, S-P, U-P and S-ALP, all involved in Ca metabolism, were investigated in 86 epileptics on long-term medication [diphenylhydantoin and phenobarbital]. Hypocalciuria was found in 1/2 of the epileptics and increased S-ALP in 1/3. In contrast to earlier reports there was no hypocalcemia, whereas hypercalcemia was found in 7 epileptics. A high frequency of fractures was reported in these epileptics. An increased fracture rate was found in the 13 epileptics with both hypocalciuria and increased S-ALP, indicating osteomalacia.