Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of valproic acid (VPA) in a cohort of children below 2 years of age. We also aim to review the characteristics of such patients and the role and safety of VPA for this age group.
Methods: A retrospective chart review conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdome of Saudi Arabia, for children below 2 years of age diagnosed with epilepsy and treated with valproic acid from January 2016 to January 2020.
Results: The cohort for this study includes 50 children below the age of 2 years (25 males, 25 females). Aged 3 months to 23 months at commencing valproic acid. The mean age of seizure onset was 9 months and the mean age of starting valproic acid was 16 months. Thirty-two patients (64%) had more than 50% seizure improvement after valproic acid. Eleven patients (22%) were seizure-free. No statistical significance abnormalities in blood count indices and ammonia were seen during the treatment period. Two patients had dose-related lethargy that improved after decreasing their dosage. Asymptomatic mild elevation in glutamate dehydrogenase was noticed in 18% of patients.
Conclusion: Using valproic acid in infants and children below the age of 2 years can be considered as a safe and effective treatment option for epilepsy in this age group.
Footnotes
Disclosure. Authors have no conflict of interests, and the work was not supported or funded by any drug company.
- Received May 25, 2021.
- Accepted August 25, 2021.
- Copyright: © Neurosciences
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