Pubertal arrest associated with valproic acid therapy

Valproic acid has previously been demonstrated to decrease the secretion of multiple pituitary hormones; however, clinical symptoms associated with decreased hormone secretion have not been described. A girl is reported with complex partial seizures who was treated with valproic acid from age 10 years, 7 months to 12 years, 1 month and during this time had an arrest of both growth and secondary sexual development. Two months after discontinuing valproic acid she had resumption of both pubertal growth and maturation. A prospective controlled study is needed to determine more precisely the effects of valproic acid on growth and development.