Citation

Meyer S, Kuhlmann MK, Peters FT, Limbach HG, Lindinger A. Klin. Padiatr. 2005; 217(2): 82-85.

Affiliation

Department of Pediatrics/Pediatric Intensive Care, University Hospital of the Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany. sascha.meyer@uniklinik-saarland.de

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Ferdinand Enke Verlag)

DOI

10.1055/s-2004-822676

PMID

15770579

Abstract

Valproic acid is an anticonvulsant drug which is associated with serious toxicity including fatal outcome in case of severe intoxication. Secondary detoxication by hemodialysis or hemoperfusion has been employed successfully in valproic acid intoxication. Cardiac arrhythmias have only been described rarely in valproic acid intoxication in humans. We report on a 15 year-old boy with severe valproic acid intoxication (valproic acid plasma level on admission: 1 150 mg/l) who presented with coma, hypernatremia and atrial tachycardia. The patient was successfully treated with hemoperfusion and intensive supportive care without implementation of a specific antiarrhythmic therapy. We conclude that patients with severe valproic acid intoxication may benefit from secondary detoxication. In addition to generally known symptoms valproic acid intoxication may also be associated with cardiac arrhythmias.

Language: en