Effects of Sodium Valproate in 100 Children with Special Reference to Weight
August 1981
in “
BMJ
”
Studysummary This study found that while sodium valproate improved seizure control in children with epilepsy, it often led to increased weight gain, with no severe side effects like liver disease or pancreatitis reported. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
The study conducted a retrospective analysis of 100 children with epilepsy treated with sodium valproate, focusing on weight changes. It found that fit control improved in 77 children, particularly those with generalized epilepsy. While severe side effects like acute liver disease and pancreatitis were not observed, milder side effects were common. Increased weight gain was the most frequent, affecting 44 children. Other side effects included transient gastrointestinal disturbances (20 children), lassitude (9), transient hair loss (6), transient enuresis (7), and aggressive behavior (4).
