title: Severe bleeding complications during antiepileptic treatment with valproic acid in children.
abstract: Valproic acid (VPA) is an antiepileptic drug frequently used in children. Although VPA can cause a variety of laboratory abnormalities affecting haemostasis, controversy exists about the clinical relevance of such haematological abnormalities. We report on 4 children with severe bleeding complications while on VPA therapy; two presented with intracranial bleeding, while two suffered from severe bleeding postoperatively. Diagnostic and therapeutic measures are discussed that help to avoid severe bleeding complications in children with VPA treatment.
authors.affiliation: Division of Haematology and Neurology, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cannizzaro
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Albisetti
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wohlrab
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schmugge
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001791:Blood Platelet Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D020300:Intracranial Hemorrhages / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008297:Male; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced*; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014635:Valproic Acid