Pubertal arrest associated with valproic acid therapy.
Valproic acid has previously been demonstrated to decrease the secretion of multiple pituitary hormones; however, clinical symptoms associated with decreased hormone secretion have not been described. A girl is reported with complex partial seizures who was treated with valproic acid from age 10 years, 7 months to 12 years, 1 month and during this time had an arrest of both growth and secondary sexual development. Two months after discontinuing valproic acid she had resumption of both pubertal growth and maturation. A prospective controlled study is needed to determine more precisely the effects of valproic acid on growth and development.
Cook
J S
JS
Department of Pediatrics, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio 45402.
Bale
J F
JF
Hoffman
R P
RP
D001827:Body Height / Q000187:drug effects; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002648:Child; D017029:Epilepsy, Complex Partial / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005071:Evoked Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011606:Psychosexual Development / Q000187:drug effects; D011627:Puberty / Q000187:drug effects*; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D014635:Valproic Acid