The Effect of Long-Term Valproic Acid Monotherapy on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters in Children with Epilepsy

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the long-term hematological and biochemical side effects of valproic acid (VPA) in pediatric patients with epilepsy. Materials and Methods: A retrospective natural study design was used. Participants were pediatric patients with epilepsy who were treated with VPA only as monotherapy. Electronic medical files were reviewed for changes in hematological and biochemical parameters before and after a VPA treatment. Results: Eighty-five patients aged 3-18 (mean 10.52 ± 3.63) met the study criteria. 50 (58.9%) of the patients were girls. In the second year after starting the treatment, the platelet values of the patients were calculated as 249.32 ± 48.778 in patients using VPA, and this difference over the years is statistically significant. No serious side effects were reported. Conclusion: Epileptic patients treated with VPA may be at risk of decreased platelet count and elevated liver enzymes. Therefore, baseline measurement of liver function and haematological parameters and monitoring during therapy is recommended.

Keywords

• valproic acid
• side effects
• hematology
• thrombocytopenia
• liver enzymes

Epilepsi Tanılı Çocuklarda Uzun Süreli Valproik Asit Monoterapisinin Hematolojik Ve Biyokimyasal Parametreler Üzerine Etkisi

Abstract

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı epilepsi tanılı çocuk hastalarda valproik asidin (VPA) uzun süreli hematolojik ve biyokimyasal yan etkilerini belirlemektir. Gereç ve Yöntem: Geriye dönük bir doğal çalışma tasarımı kullanılmıştır. Katılımcılar, monoteratpi şeklinde yalnızca VPA ile tedavi edilen epilepsi saptanan çocuk hastalardı. Elektronik tıbbi dosyalar, bir VPA tedavisi öncesi ve sonrasında hematolojik ve biyokimyasal parametrelerdeki değişiklikler için gözden geçirildi. Bulgular: Yaşları 3-18 (ort. 10,52 ± 3,63) olan 85 hasta çalışma kriterlerini karşıladı. Hastaların 50’sini (%58,9) kızlar oluşturmaktaydı. Tedaviye başladıktan sonraki ikinci yılda hastaların Trombosit değerleri VPA kullanan hastalarda ortalama 249,32 ± 48,778 olarak hesaplanmıştır ve yıllar içindeki bu farklılık istatistiksel olarak anlamlıdır. Hiçbir ciddi yan etki bildirilmedi. Sonuç: VPA ile tedavi edilen epileptik hastalar, trombosit sayısında azalma ve karaciğer enzimlerinde yükselme riski altında olabilir. Bu nedenle, karaciğer fonksiyonlarının ve hematolojik parametrelerin temel ölçümü ve tedavi boyunca izlenmesi önerilir.

Keywords

• valproik asit
• yan etkiler
• hematolojik
• trombositopeni
• karaciğer enzimleri

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