Valproic acid-induced encephalopathy: A review of clinical features, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment.

Abstract

Valproic acid (VPA), or sodium valproate, is a commonly used medication for seizure disorders, migraines, and mental illness. Although VPA is relatively safe, it still has several adverse effects; among these, VPA-induced encephalopathy is the most serious. Valproic acid-induced encephalopathy mainly manifests as acute or subacute encephalopathy and has been associated with hyperammonemia, L-carnitine deficiency, and urea cycle enzyme dysfunction. Delayed identification of VPA-induced encephalopathy could be potentially fatal. Here, we perform an extensive review of relevant literature pertaining to VPA-induced encephalopathy, including its epidemiology, clinical features, possible pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment.

• Authors: Junhong Wu, Jiyuan Li, Wei Jing, Xin Tian, Xuefeng Wang
• Journal: Epilepsy & behavior : E&B (Epilepsy Behav) Vol. 120 Pg. 107967 (07 2021) ISSN: 1525-5069 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 34004407 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Chemical References

• Anticonvulsants
• Valproic Acid

Topics

• Anticonvulsants (therapeutic use)
• Brain Diseases (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Hyperammonemia (drug therapy)
• Risk Factors
• Valproic Acid