title: Valproate therapy: predisposition to bone fracture?
abstract: A 13-year-old girl on valproate therapy had 20 fractures over a 4-year period between the ages of 5 years and 9 years. Once valproate was withdrawn, no further fractures occurred over the ensuing 4 years. Three other children manifested at least two fractures while on valproate antiepileptic therapy. These reports suggest that valproate, along with other known causes of demineralization (e.g., lack of exercise, diet, and genetic factors), predisposes patients to fractures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, North Shore University Hospital, New York University, Manhasset 11030, USA.
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Pavlakis
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Chusid
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Roye
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Nordli
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000293:injuries; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000139:chemically induced; D005528:Foot; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000139:chemically induced; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D014635:Valproic Acid