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Pancreatitis during sodium valproate treatment
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|July 1, 1983
Summary
A rare case of acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis in a child taking sodium valproate highlights a potential link. This review suggests a possible causal relationship between valproic acid and pancreatitis, even if infrequent.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Valproic acid is a widely used antiepileptic and mood-stabilizing drug.
- Pancreatitis is a serious inflammation of the pancreas.
- Previous case reports have suggested a possible association between valproic acid and pancreatitis.
Observation:
- A 1-year-old girl developed acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis while being treated with sodium valproate.
- Post-mortem examination revealed widespread vascular disease, which may have predisposed the child to pancreatitis.
Findings:
- The case and review of existing literature suggest a rare but potential causal relationship between valproic acid and pancreatitis.
- The mechanism may involve underlying vascular disease, although further research is needed.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential risk of pancreatitis in children receiving valproic acid.
- Monitoring for symptoms of pancreatitis in patients on valproic acid is advisable.
- This finding contributes to the understanding of rare adverse drug reactions to valproic acid.