title: Valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy with normal liver function.
abstract: Hyperammonemic encephalopathy with normal liver function is an uncommon serious adverse effect of valproate therapy. We retrospectively analyzed the case records of 5 patients of epilepsy on valproate with hyperammonemic encephalopathy. Of the 5 patients, 3 were on monotherapy. The mean valproate dose was 1250 mg/day and the duration of therapy ranged between 4 and 90 days. Alteration in the sensorium was the presenting clinical feature. The risk factors included high initial dose (2), long-term valproate therapy (1), and long-term valproate therapy with concomitant topiramate (1). There was good correlation between the fall in serum ammonia levels and clinical improvement. Hyperammonemic encephalopathy should be suspected in patients on valproate with altered sensorium. Response to treatment is rewarding.
authors: Department of Neurology, The Institute of Neurological Sciences, CARE Hospital, Hyderabad, India.
authors: Amitav
authors: A
authors: Rath
authors: T Jaishree
authors: TJ
authors: Naryanan
authors: G V S
authors: GV
authors: Chowdhary
authors: J M K
authors: JM
authors: Murthy
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000502:physiology; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015518:Rett Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014635:Valproic Acid