Hepatotoxicity of sodium valproate.
Repeated clinical and biochemical evaluations of liver function were performed on 60 patients taking sodium valproate. No clinical evidence of liver disease was found. Biochemical abnormalities were frequently found, but they were far more common in patients treated with multiple anticonvulsants than in patients on valproate alone. A control group of patients taking phenytoin or carbamazepine monotherapy also had a high incidence of biochemical abnormalities. A group of patients started on valproate therapy 6 years previously was followed up. No evidence of liver disease was found in this group. It was concluded that biochemical abnormalities of liver function in patients receiving valproate are not progressive, and in many cases relate to the intake of other drugs. The finding of abnormal liver function tests is not necessarily an indication for ceasing valproate.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000009:adverse effects; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; D002648:Child; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000009:adverse effects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase / Q000097:blood
D002220:Carbamazepine; D014635:Valproic Acid; D010672:Phenytoin; D005340:Fibrinogen; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase