Encefalopatía asociada a Valproato / Val proate-associated hyperammonemic encephalopathy. Report of one case
Rev. méd. Chile
;
135(11): 1446-1449, nov. 2007. tab
Article
in Spanish
| LILACS
| ID: lil-472844
ABSTRACT
Valproate can be associated to hyperammonemic encephalopathy, characterized by fluctuating sudden-onset alterations of sensorium, focal symptoms and an increase in the frequency of seizures. We report a 78 year-old female using valproate 1,000 mg/ day for 10 months for the treatment to tonic-clonic seizures. She was admitted on three occasions in the last fourth months for self limited clouding of sensorium. Laboratory, imaging and electroencephalografic studies were non-contributory Blood ammonia levels were 123 fig/dl (normal 15-50 fig/dl). Due to the possibility of a hyperammonemic encephalopathy secondary to valproate, the drug was discontinued and she was treated with lactulose and intravenous L-carnitine, 1 g/day The patient showed a complete recovery within 48 hours. This drug-associated encephalopathy is a reversible but potentially fatal cause, probably underdiagnosed, that requires a high index of suspicion.
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
Brain Diseases
/
Valproic Acid
/
Hyperammonemia
/
Anticonvulsants
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Risk factors
Limits:
Aged
/
Female
/
Humans
Language:
Spanish
Journal:
Rev. méd. Chile
Journal subject:
Medicine
Year:
2007
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Argentina
Institution/Affiliation country:
Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires/AR
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