An Analysis of Ultrastructure of the Hair of Children Treated With Valproic Acid
January 2016
in “
International journal of clinical pediatrics
”
TLDR Valproic acid may cause temporary hair changes like loss or thinning in children.
The study analyzed the ultrastructure of hair in 12 epileptic children treated with valproic acid (VPA) for at least 12 months using electron microscopy. Despite reports of hair loss, color changes, thinning, and curliness in patients treated with VPA, the scanning electron microscopy revealed a normal ultrastructural appearance of the hair surface and cuticular pattern. The study concluded that the observed drug-induced changes might be temporary and suggested that prospective research with larger groups could provide more definitive insights.