ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the differences and correlation between the methods of on-line column extraction high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) and pre-column derivatization HPLC for the determination of valproic acid(VPA) in plasma and provide reference for the clinical monitoring of VPA concentration. METHODS: One hundred and twenty samples were detected by the two methods respectively, and the differences of the test results were evaluated by statistical methods. RESULTS: The linear regression equation between the results determined by the pre-column derivatization HPLC method(X) and the on-line column HPLC method(Y) was as follows:Y=0.804 2X-2.611 3(r2=0.973 9). There was significant difference between the results determined by the two methods(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Both methods can be used to monitor the concentration of VPA in clinical practice. However, it is necessary to pay attention to the difference between the two methods. And the on-line column HPLC method is more suitable for monitoring the concentration of VPA in clinical practice because it is simple to operate and has less interference from the metabolites.