Sodium valproate induced necrotising pancreatitis: A case report

Sodium valproate is one of the most common first-line antiepileptics prescribed for primary and secondary generalised seizures. However, serious complications associated with sodium valproate, such as acute pancreatitis, need to be considered when choosing this medication for treating epilepsy in certain populations such as children and persons with intellectual disability. We report a case of a 21-year-old man with intellectual disability who presented to the emergency department with an acute abdomen, vomiting and diarrhoea. He had to undergo an emergency exploratory laparotomy during which acute necrotising pancreatitis was diagnosed intra-operatively. We believe that the recent increase in sodium valproate dosage for his epilepsy was the cause of the pancreatitis. Carers of such persons should be adequately informed regarding possible life-threatening complications of medications prescribed to avoid delay in diagnosis and unwanted incidents.

Características de la calidad de vida en familias con un adulto con discapacidad intelectual (DI)/RM en la ciudad de Cali, Colombia / Characteristics of quality of life in families with an adult with intellectual disability / mental retardation in Cali, Colombia

Ciento cincuenta y ocho familias en cuya composición existe un adulto con discapacidad intelectual, con un promedio de 38.8 años, fueron entrevistadas; 85.4% contaba con servicio médico, 85.4% no asistía a un programa educativo y 24.4% sabía leer o escribir. El promedio de edad de su cuidador era de 60 años. El 48.9% de ellos manifestó satisfacción con la calidad de vida, mientras que el 20.2% expresó insatisfacción; sin embargo, 59.5%, 52.3% y 17.6% consideraron que la eficiencia del apoyo educativo, espiritual y en salud era muy baja, respectivamente; 51% no mantenía expectativa de mejoramiento educativo; al igual que 91.7%, 79.4% y 90.9% en apoyo espiritual, en salud y laboral, en su orden. Los apoyos psicosociales se percibieron como ineficientes o innecesarios, sin albergar esperanza de mejoramiento.

One hundred and fifty eight families of adults with intellectual disability were interviewed; their average age was 38.8. Of these, 85.4% had medical service, 85.4% hadn't attended school, and 24.4% knew how to read or write. The average age of caretakers was 60 years. 48.9% of these manifested satisfaction with their quality of life, whereas, 20.2% expressed dissatisfaction. However, the efficiency of support was rated very low in the following proportions: 59.9% in educative support received and 51% with no expectations for improvement; 52.3% in spiritual support received, and 91.7% with no expectations for improvement; and 17.6% in health support received, and 79.4 with no expectations for improvement. Furthermore, psychosocial support was perceived as inefficient or unnecessary, without hope for improvement.