Plasma Brain Natriuretic Peptide Concentrations in Children with Epilepsy: the Effect of Antiepileptic Drugs

Abstract

Background and aims: Plasma Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) is recognized as a reliable marker for cardiac dysfunction. Recent studies postulate that intracerebral epileptic activity may trigger BNP secretion by heart or by brain. This prospective study aimed to evaluate BNP concentrations, before and after valproate sodium (VPA) or ox-carbamazepine (OX-CMZ) monotherapy, in children with idiopathic epilepsy.