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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
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Ex Vivo Expansion of Hematopoietic Stem Cells from Human Umbilical Cord Blood-derived CD34+ Cells Using Valproic Acid
Published on: April 11, 2019
Effects of divalproex sodium on hemoglobin level.
Ali T Taher1, Khaled M Musallam, Wassim Nasreddine
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. ataher@aub.edu.lb
Blood Cells, Molecules & Diseases
|March 4, 2009
Summary
Valproate (VPA) use may increase total hemoglobin (Hb) levels, particularly in patients with lower baseline Hb. This study analyzed VPA concentrations and Hb changes over 24 weeks in epilepsy patients.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Neurology
- Hematology
Background:
- Previous studies linked valproate (VPA) to increased fetal hemoglobin (Hb) but not total Hb.
- The impact of VPA on overall hemoglobin levels in patients with complex partial seizures remained uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of valproate (VPA) on total hemoglobin (Hb) levels in patients with complex partial seizures.
- To analyze the relationship between VPA concentration, baseline Hb, and changes in total Hb during treatment.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial involving 549 patients treated with divalproex sodium monotherapy.
- Intermittent measurement of trough plasma VPA concentrations and concomitant total Hb levels over a 24-week period.
- Correlation analysis of VPA levels, exposure duration, gender, age, and baseline Hb with changes in total Hb.
Main Results:
- A significant inverse correlation was found between baseline Hb level and change in total Hb.
- Hb increase was observed in 47.0% of measurements.
- A clinically relevant Hb increase (>0.5 g/dL) occurred in 23.9% of measurements, suggesting VPA's association with Hb changes.
Conclusions:
- Valproate (VPA) is associated with changes in total hemoglobin (Hb) levels.
- The observed Hb changes correlate inversely with baseline Hb levels, indicating a potential dose-dependent or concentration-dependent effect.
- Further research may be warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and clinical significance of VPA-induced Hb alterations.
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