Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Ex Vivo Expansion of Hematopoietic Stem Cells from Human Umbilical Cord Blood-derived CD34+ Cells Using Valproic Acid
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Adverse Effects of Treatment with Valproic Acid during the Neonatal Period

E Baudou1, J Benevent2, J L Montastruc2

  • 1Service de Neurologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital des Enfants, Toulouse Cedex, France.

Neuropediatrics
|November 20, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Valproic acid (VPA) use in newborns can cause serious adverse effects like hyperammonemic encephalopathy and hematological issues. These effects were reversible upon VPA discontinuation, highlighting the need for careful monitoring in neonates.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Valproic acid (VPA) is infrequently used in neonates.
  • Serious adverse effects of VPA are more common in children under two years old.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To document adverse effects in full-term newborns treated with VPA.
  • To provide guidance on VPA use and monitoring in neonates.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of full-term newborns treated with VPA for neonatal seizures.
  • Analysis of adverse events and treatment outcomes between 2004 and 2014.

Main Results:

  • Five out of 123 newborns (4%) discontinued VPA due to adverse effects.
  • Adverse effects included hyperammonemic encephalopathy (n=2) and hematological alterations (n=2).
  • No cases of liver toxicity or exacerbation of metabolic diseases were observed.

Conclusions:

  • VPA-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy is a potentially lethal complication requiring vigilant monitoring.
  • Adverse effects of VPA in newborns were reversible upon treatment cessation.
  • Precautions for VPA implementation and follow-up in newborns are necessary.
Abstract

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