Intravenous Sodium Valproate for Acute Pediatric Headache
David Sheridan1, Benjamin Sun2, Patricia O'Brien2
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine, Randall Children's Hospital, Portland, Oregon.
The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|May 20, 2015
Summary
Sodium valproate (VPA) shows promise for treating acute pediatric headaches in emergency settings. This study found VPA effectively reduced pain and length of stay in young patients with headaches.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Headaches are a common pediatric issue, increasing with age.
- Current abortive headache medications have potential side effects.
- Sodium valproate (VPA) is effective in adults, but pediatric data is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of VPA for acute pediatric headache treatment.
- Assessed VPA's efficacy in the emergency department setting.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of patients under 19 treated with parenteral VPA.
- Data included demographics, pain reduction, length of stay, and disposition.
- Study conducted in two tertiary care pediatric hospitals.
Main Results:
- 16 patients received VPA for acute headache; 12 were analyzed.
- 83% of patients were discharged home.
- Mean pain reduction was ~57% after VPA administration, with reduced length of stay.
Conclusions:
- VPA demonstrates effectiveness for acute pediatric headaches in this series.
- Patients responded well to VPA in a short timeframe.
- Further research is needed on VPA as a single agent or in combination therapy.
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