ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficiency and safety of sodium valproate by testing the compliance of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in epileptic children so as to provide a reference for rational and individual treatment. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of clinical data of children with epilepsy was performed. The patients were treated with sodium valproate or combined with other AEDs. RESULTS: A total 1 507 children were included in the study. It was found that the 49.44% of children had taken TDM only once and the children who had TDM for over 4 times merely took up 5.24%. The first time performed TDM data within therapeutic window only took up 51.63%, and 3. 58% exceeding the window as well. There were statistical difference between age, daily dosage, valproate plasma concentration and control rate among different times in TDM (P<0.001). And difference was also statistical significance between valproate plasma concentration in age groups. Comparing sodium valproate monotherapy to sodium valproate combined with other AEDs, daily dosage (P<0.001), the valproate serum concentration (P=0.001) and the rate within therapeutic window (P=0.004) were all in statistical difference. However, there was no difference in abnormal liver function rate among TDM times. CONCLUSION: Since the great difference among individuals, it need to take individual therapy based on the results of TDM and to reduce the adverse reaction so as to improve the efficiency and rational use of drugs on clinic.