Valproic Acid in Childhood Epilepsy: Anticonvulsive Efficacy in Relation to Its Plasma Levels

    October 1980 in “ PubMed ”
    Ulrich Klotz, Charles Schweizer
    TLDR Valproic acid is effective for controlling seizures in children, especially as a single treatment, with some side effects.
    The study monitored plasma levels of valproic acid in 90 epileptic children over two years. Among 34 patients on sodium valproate monotherapy, 82% achieved complete seizure control with a mean plasma level of 65.1 micrograms/ml, while 18% experienced recurring seizures with higher plasma levels, suggesting resistance to the drug. Valproic acid was effective for absences, tonic-clonic seizures, and partial epilepsy. In combination with phenobarbital, 64% of 22 children achieved seizure control. In more severe cases treated with multiple anticonvulsants, only 35% achieved control. Side effects included increased appetite, gastrointestinal disturbances, transient hair loss, and tiredness, mostly at plasma levels above 70 micrograms/ml. A therapeutic range of 40-90 micrograms/ml was suggested.
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