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Safety of rapid intravenous valproate infusion in pediatric patients

Lawrence D Morton1, Kathryn A O'Hara, B Patrick Coots

  • 1Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0211, USA. ldmorton@vcu.edu

Pediatric Neurology
|February 6, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Rapid intravenous valproate infusions are safe for pediatric seizure patients. This study found minimal adverse events, with no serious cardiac or laboratory abnormalities, supporting its use in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Intravenous valproate is used for seizure management.
  • Information on rapid infusion safety in children is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and tolerability of rapid intravenous valproate administration in pediatric patients with seizures.

Main Methods:

  • 18 pediatric patients (age 1-16 years) received 48 doses of intravenous valproate.
  • Doses ranged from 7.5 to 41.5 mg/kg at infusion rates of 1.5 to 11 mg/kg/min.
  • Adverse events, ECGs, and laboratory results were monitored.

Main Results:

  • Only one mild adverse event (infusion site burning) was reported in a single patient.
  • The patient tolerated subsequent infusions at the same rate without issue.
  • No cardiac arrhythmias, bradycardia, hypotension, or abnormal lab findings were observed.

Conclusions:

  • Rapid intravenous valproate infusion is safe and well-tolerated in pediatric patients.
  • This administration method may be a viable option for seizure control in children.
  • Further research could explore broader applications and optimal dosing strategies.

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