Decreased serum carnitine in valproate induced Reye syndrome

A 3-year-old girl developed acute liver disease after treatment with valproate for 6 months. She developed the typical features of Reye syndrome. Serum free carnitine was decreased as well as 3-keto-valproic acid, the main metabolite of beta-oxidation of valproate. The serum valproate concentration was at the upper limit of the therapeutic range. The possible importance of carnitine in the pathogenesis of valproate induced liver disease is discussed.