Aybüke Pınar
Research Subjects
Research Interests
Aybüke Pınar has a total of 4 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:
- Ayşe Derya Buluş
Department of Paediatric Endocrinology University of Health Sciences, Ankara Atatürk Sanatorium Training and Research Hospital Ankara Turkey
1 shared publication - Ayşe Nur Coşkun
Pediatrics Clinic, Ankara Atatürk Sanatoryum Training and Research Hospital, Ankara 06290, Türkiye
1 shared publication - Betül Dünya1 shared publication
- Özben Akıncı Göktaş
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Ataturk Sanatoryum Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
1 shared publication
Latest Publications
- Open Access
- 18 May 2026
- Published by Ankara Bilkent City Hospital in Turkish Journal of Pediatric Disease
- Vol. 20 (3) , 160-165
The hidden costs of seizure control: Metabolic and hormonal effectsof anti-seizure medications in children
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the metabolic and hormonal effects of anti-seizure medications (ASMs) in children with epilepsy by comparing serum levels of vitamin D, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), vitamin B12, folate, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and free thyroxine (fT4) between ASM-treated patients and healthy controls. A secondary aim was to investigate differences between patients treated with valproate (VPA) and those treated with levetiracetam (LEV). Materials and Methods: A total of 106 pediatric epilepsy patients undergoing ASM therapy were included in the study, with 93 on monotherapy and 13 on polytherapy for at least six months. Additionally, 80 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. Serum biochemical parameters were analyzed retrospectively. Subgroup analyses compared patients on VPA and LEV monotherapy. Statistical comparisons and correlation analyses assessed relationships between drug exposure and biochemical values. Results: Vitamin D levels were significantly lower in ASM-treated patients compared to controls (p<0.001). TSH levels were higher in the VPA group than in the LEV group (p<0.001), although there were no significant differences in thyroid hormone levels between ASM-treated patients and the healthy control group overall. No significant differences were observed in calcium, phosphorus, ALP, vitamin B12, or folate levels between the groups. The duration of ASM use was not correlated with any of the biochemical parameters. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency and changes in thyroid function may occur in children treated with ASMs, especially VPA. However, vitamin B12 and folate levels tend to stay stable. Given the ongoing fluctuations in vitamin D and thyroid hormone levels, more frequent monitoring of these parameters may be warranted in pediatric epilepsy patients on ASM therapy. In contrast, less frequent assessment of vitamin B12 and folate may be enough unless there are clinical reasons to test further. More prospective studies are needed to determine the best monitoring approaches.
- 18 May 2026
- Published by Ankara Bilkent City Hospital in Turkish Journal of Pediatric Disease
- Vol. 20 (3) , 160-165
Open AccessThe hidden costs of seizure control: Metabolic and hormonal effectsof anti-seizure medications in children
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the metabolic and hormonal effects of anti-seizure medications (ASMs) in children with epilepsy by comparing serum levels of vitamin D, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), vitamin B12, folate, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and free thyroxine (fT4) between ASM-treated patients and healthy controls. A secondary aim was to investigate differences between patients treated with valproate (VPA) and those treated with levetiracetam (LEV). Materials and Methods: A total of 106 pediatric epilepsy patients undergoing ASM therapy were included in the study, with 93 on monotherapy and 13 on polytherapy for at least six months. Additionally, 80 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. Serum biochemical parameters were analyzed retrospectively. Subgroup analyses compared patients on VPA and LEV monotherapy. Statistical comparisons and correlation analyses assessed relationships between drug exposure and biochemical values. Results: Vitamin D levels were significantly lower in ASM-treated patients compared to controls (p<0.001). TSH levels were higher in the VPA group than in the LEV group (p<0.001), although there were no significant differences in thyroid hormone levels between ASM-treated patients and the healthy control group overall. No significant differences were observed in calcium, phosphorus, ALP, vitamin B12, or folate levels between the groups. The duration of ASM use was not correlated with any of the biochemical parameters. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency and changes in thyroid function may occur in children treated with ASMs, especially VPA. However, vitamin B12 and folate levels tend to stay stable. Given the ongoing fluctuations in vitamin D and thyroid hormone levels, more frequent monitoring of these parameters may be warranted in pediatric epilepsy patients on ASM therapy. In contrast, less frequent assessment of vitamin B12 and folate may be enough unless there are clinical reasons to test further. More prospective studies are needed to determine the best monitoring approaches.