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Neuropediatrics 2007; 38(1): 42-45
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-981448
Short Communication

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Severe Bleeding Complications during Antiepileptic Treatment with Valproic Acid in Children[*]

E. Cannizzaro 1 , M. Albisetti 1 , G. Wohlrab 1 , M. Schmugge 1
  • 1Division of Haematology and Neurology, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
Further Information

Publication History

received 9. 11. 2006

accepted 27. 3. 2007

Publication Date:
02 July 2007 (online)

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Abstract

Valproic acid (VPA) is an antiepileptic drug frequently used in children. Although VPA can cause a variety of laboratory abnormalities affecting haemostasis, controversy exists about the clinical relevance of such haematological abnormalities. We report on 4 children with severe bleeding complications while on VPA therapy; two presented with intracranial bleeding, while two suffered from severe bleeding postoperatively. Diagnostic and therapeutic measures are discussed that help to avoid severe bleeding complications in children with VPA treatment.

Key words

Epilepsy - valproic acid - von Willebrand factor - platelets - coagulation

1 Presented in part at the 47nd annual meeting of the American Society of Haematology, Atlanta, Georgia, December 2005.

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1 Presented in part at the 47nd annual meeting of the American Society of Haematology, Atlanta, Georgia, December 2005.

Correspondence

M. Schmugge

Division of Haematology

University Children's Hospital Zürich

Steinwiesstrasse 75

8032 Zürich

Switzerland

Phone: +41/44/266 71 11

Fax: +41/44/266 71 71

Email: markus.schmugge@kispi.unizh.ch