Valproic acid toxicity: Difference between revisions

(MOA of hyperammonemia)
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**Elevated transaminases  
**Elevated transaminases  
*Hyperammonemia
*Hyperammonemia
**Secondary to L-Carnitine and Acetyl-CoA depletion which inhibits urea cycle
**Can be asymptomatic or cause Valproate associated Hepatic Encephalopathy(VPE)
**Secondary to L-Carnitine and Acetyl-CoA depletion which inhibits urea cycle  
**Can be seen with therapeutic VPA levels and normal LFTs
**Level does not correlate with severity of VPE


==Treatment==
==Treatment==

Revision as of 02:05, 13 November 2014

Background

  • Peak concentration occurs within 4hr (12-18hr for controlled release forms)

Clinical Features

  • CNS depression
  • Hypotension
  • Respiratory depression

Diagnosis

  • Level
    • Does not correlate well w/ toxicity
    • Adverse effects increase w/ level >150
  • Chemistry
    • Hypocalcemia, hypernatremia, hypophosphatemia, AG metabolic acidosis
  • LFT
    • Elevated transaminases
  • Hyperammonemia
    • Can be asymptomatic or cause Valproate associated Hepatic Encephalopathy(VPE)
    • Secondary to L-Carnitine and Acetyl-CoA depletion which inhibits urea cycle
    • Can be seen with therapeutic VPA levels and normal LFTs
    • Level does not correlate with severity of VPE

Treatment

  • GI detox
    • Activated charcoal PO x1 or multidose (for delayed-release preparations)
  • l-carnitine
    • Increases valproate metabolism
    • Recommended for pts with:
      • Lethargy, coma, hyperammonemia, hepatic dysfunction
    • Give 50mg/kg/day IV in 3divided doses
  • Naloxone
    • May be effective in reversing CNS depression
  • Dialysis
    • Effective

Disposition

  • Consider d/c for pt with declining levels and pt is asymptomatic

Source

Tintinalli