Treatment of valproic acid-associated hepatic failure with orthotopic liver transplantation.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of valproic acid (VPA)-induced hepatotoxicity and to discuss the incidence rates, risk factors, possible etiologies, preventive measures, and treatment courses for this severe reaction.


METHODS
Case reports, review articles, and relevant laboratory studies identified by MEDLINE.


METHODS
Data were abstracted from pertinent published sources by one author and reviewed by the remaining authors.


RESULTS
The case of a 23-year-old woman with VPA-associated hepatic failure was successfully treated with orthotopic liver transplantation. Hepatic failure is a rare, often fatal, adverse effect of VPA. Most cases of VPA-associated hepatic failure have occurred within several months of initiation of therapy. Initial symptoms of presentation often include nausea and vomiting, lethargy, or loss of seizure control. Laboratory values to be monitored include serum concentrations of hepatic enzymes, and, in some patients, tests indicative of the liver's synthetic capabilities. The exact mechanism of VPA-associated hepatic failure has not been clearly established; however, it is postulated to involve the formation of toxic metabolites. Major risk factors include age less than two years and concomitant treatment with more than one anticonvulsant. Other significant risk factors include underlying metabolic or serious neurologic disorders.


CONCLUSIONS
Caution should be taken when initiating VPA therapy and clinicians should be familiar with the risk factors and clinical presentation of this reaction.
Bell
E A
EA
University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Shaefer
M S
MS
Markin
R S
RS
Wood
R P
RP
Langnas
A N
AN
Stratta
R J
RJ
Shaw
B W
BW
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006501:Hepatic Encephalopathy / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D009336:Necrosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects*
D014635:Valproic Acid