title: [Monotherapy with sodium valproate in generalized primary epilepsy. 2d phase: Study of long-term efficacy and tolerance].
abstract: From the analysis of 115 cases of primary generalized epilepsies treated for a mean duration of 43 months with sodium valproate as sole therapy, it appears that: the mean effective daily dosage is 21 mg/kg; the efficacy of valproate proved excellent in 82.6% of cases (seizures fully controlled: 74%, seizures occurring exceptionally: 9%); a loss of activity was never observed; in these circumstances of prolonged administration of the drug, no signs of major intolerance were seen; side-effects occurred in 29% of cases, including 20% long-term effects (weight gain, essential tremor); 64 series of laboratory tests including 15 parameters made it possible to evaluate the hematological, hepatic and pancreatic tolerance of valproate: the majority of the tests were normal. The authors believe that during long-term therapy with valproate, monitoring does not need to include the routine performance of liver function tests, but that it would be more advisable, should a suggestive clinical sign be noted, to investigate the platelet count, coagulation (partial activated thromboplastin time) and protein synthesis (fibrinogen).
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000681:Amylases / Q000097:blood; D001835:Body Weight; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D014635:Valproic Acid; D000681:Amylases
vernacular_title: La monothérapie par le valproate de sodium dans les épilepsies généralisées primaires. Deuxième phase: étude d'efficacité et de tolérance au long cours.