Hypertensive Urgency in a Child with Focal Epilepsy: Is It Sodium Valproate Induced?

    January 2022 in “ Indian Journal of Pharmacology
    Lesa Dawman, Anju Vijayan, Gargi Das, Karalanglin Tiewsoh, Indar Kumar Sharawat
    TLDR Sodium valproate can cause serious high blood pressure in children.
    A 2-year-old girl with focal epilepsy on sodium valproate therapy presented with hypertensive urgency, thrombocytopenia, mild transaminitis, and hyperammonemia. Common causes of hypertension were ruled out, and valproate toxicity was suspected. After discontinuing valproate and starting enalapril and levetiracetam, her symptoms improved, and her laboratory parameters normalized within a month. This case highlights the rare but serious side effect of hypertensive urgency associated with sodium valproate, emphasizing the need for clinicians to monitor and manage potential adverse effects promptly.
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