Acquired von Willebrand syndrome as side effect of valproic acid therapy in children is rare.
To determine the frequency and clinical relevance of acquired von Willebrand syndrome (aVWS) due to antiepileptic therapy by valproic acid, we investigated 50 consecutive children in three neuropediatric institutions. Coagulation factors were determined in local laboratories before and three times after starting therapy with valproic acid. Parameters of von Willebrand factor (VWF) were additionally investigated in a reference laboratory including multimeric analysis. Significant changes in the coagulation system were found concerning fibrinogen (decreased from 287 +/- 70 mg/dl to 222 +/- 67 mg/dl; p < 0.001) and platelet count. Changes of VWF parameters were also found but no patient developed laboratory defined aVWS. We conclude that the bleeding tendency observed in some children undergoing antiepileptic therapy with valproic acid is not due to aVWS.
Eberl
Wolfgang
W
Department of Paediatrics and Coagulation Laboratory, Klinikum Braunschweig gGmbH, 38118 Braunschweig, Germany. w.eberl@klinikum-braunschweig.de
Budde
U
U
Bentele
K
K
Christen
H-J
HJ
Knapp
R
R
Mey
A
A
Schneppenheim
Reinhard
R
D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D005169:Factor VIII / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014842:von Willebrand Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology; D014841:von Willebrand Factor / Q000378:metabolism*
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014841:von Willebrand Factor; D014635:Valproic Acid; D005169:Factor VIII