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Dynamic aspects in transient hyperphosphatasaemia of infancy
1Department of Paediatrics, Rigshospitalet, University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Acta Paediatrica Scandinavica
|May 1, 1988
Insights
Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) in a child with absence epilepsy normalized after valproic acid treatment. AP elimination followed first-order kinetics with a 6.1-day half-life, coinciding with adenovirus infection.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Absence epilepsy is a common childhood seizure disorder.
- Valproic acid is a widely used antiepileptic drug.
- Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) can be associated with various medical conditions.
Observation:
- A 20-month-old boy with absence epilepsy presented with markedly high serum AP levels at the initiation of valproic acid therapy.
- Serum AP levels were monitored during valproic acid treatment.
- A concurrent adenovirus infection was identified in the patient.
Findings:
- Serum AP levels demonstrated a decrease over time, consistent with first-order elimination kinetics.
- The calculated half-life for AP elimination was 6.1 days.
- The normalization of AP levels correlated with the discontinuation or reduction of valproic acid therapy, although the concurrent adenovirus infection's role requires further investigation.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for valproic acid to influence serum AP levels in pediatric patients.
- Understanding the kinetics of AP elimination aids in managing potential drug-induced biochemical changes.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise relationship between valproic acid, adenovirus infection, and AP levels in children.
Abstract:
A 20-month-old boy with absence epilepsy was found to have a strikingly elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) at start of treatment with valproic acid. The monitoring of this therapy made it possible to follow the elimination of AP which was shown to be a first order kinetic with a half-life of 6.1 days. A concurrent adenovirus infection was diagnosed.