Purpose: Valproate has been widely used in controlling various kinds of seizures. Intravenous forms of valproate control seizures in a more rapid and efficacious pattern than oral forms. We evaluated the effectiveness and adverse effects of intravenous valproate for controlling seizures in Taiwanese children under 18 years old.
Methods: Retrospective chart reviews were performed on 137 pediatric patients receiving valproate infusion from January 2003 to December 2006. Patients were divided into 4 groups as follows: (1) previous use of other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) (n=59), (2) previous use of oral valproate (n=8), (3) previous use of other AEDs and valproate (n=32), (4) first time use of valproate (n=38). The indications for using intravenous valproate include status epilepticus, repetitive seizures, prophylactic use for brain operations or in cases where oral administration was not feasible due to medical problems.
Results: The mean age was 8±6.22 years old and the average dose was 31.2±26.45 mg/kg/day. The mean duration of usage was 7.8±6.99 days. Eight patients failed to respond to intravenous valproate and the AED was shifted to other drugs. Thirty-two patients achieved successful seizure control after adding other AEDs following intravenous valproate. The seizure control rate in our study was 71%, and six patients died of complications associated with an underlying disorder. An allergic reaction (skin rash) was found in 1 patient, while no serious adverse effects were noted in our patients.
Conclusion: Intravenous valproate is effective and safe in controlling seizures in children who are either valproate naive or not.