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Sodium Valproate Induced Alopecia: A Case Series
Sereen Rose Thomson1, Vinay Mamulpet1, Shalini Adiga2
1Postgraduate Student, Department of Pharmacology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka, India.
Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research : JCDR
|December 7, 2017
Summary
Sodium valproate can cause hair loss (alopecia) in patients with neurological conditions. This side effect is reversible and often resolves after reducing the valproate dose or stopping the medication.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Drug-induced alopecia is a potential adverse effect of various medications.
- Valproate is commonly prescribed for neurological disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report three cases of alopecia associated with sodium valproate therapy.
- To assess the causality between valproate and alopecia.
Main Methods:
- Case series reporting three patients who developed alopecia during valproate treatment.
- Naranjo's causality assessment scale was used to evaluate the likelihood of valproate causing alopecia.
Main Results:
- All three patients experienced alopecia during long-term sodium valproate therapy.
- Alopecia resolved in all cases after dose reduction or discontinuation of valproate.
- The Naranjo scale indicated valproate as a probable cause of alopecia.
Conclusions:
- Sodium valproate can cause dose-dependent and reversible alopecia.
- Monitoring for hair loss is recommended in patients on long-term valproate therapy.
- Discontinuation or dose reduction of valproate can lead to resolution of alopecia.
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