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[Porphyria induced by valproic acid: clinical case]
1Servicio de Neurología, P Universidad Católica de Chile, Hospital Dr Sótero del Río, Santiago.
Revista Medica De Chile
|August 1, 1991
Summary
Valproate, an anticonvulsant, can trigger acute intermittent porphyria in patients with epilepsy. Discontinuation of valproate led to complete recovery, highlighting the drug
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Toxicology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder.
- Anticonvulsant therapy is a common treatment for epilepsy.
Observation:
- A 47-year-old woman with epilepsy was treated with valproate.
- Within 3 days of starting valproate, she developed severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and coma.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited increased urinary excretion of delta-amino-levulinic acid and porphobilinogen, indicative of acute intermittent porphyria.
- These porphyria markers normalized after valproate discontinuation.
Implications:
- Valproate can precipitate acute intermittent porphyria, a serious metabolic disorder.
- Prompt recognition and drug withdrawal are crucial for patient recovery.
- This case underscores the importance of monitoring for porphyria in patients on valproate therapy.