HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Correspondence: Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when Correspondence are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Sherard, E. S. Articles by Couri, D. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Sherard, E. S., Jr. Articles by Couri, D.

Treatment of childhood epilepsy with valproic acid

Results of the first 100 patients in a 6-month trial

Department of Pediatrics and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, and the Division of Pediatric Neurology, Columbus Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH.

we evaluated valproic acid (VPA) for 6 months as therapy for uncontrolled seizures in 100 children, 38 with partial and 62 with generalized epilepsy. Sixty-one patients experienced more than a 75% decrease in seizures. The improvement in generalized epilepsy paralleled adult VPA studies, but partial epilepsy improved more than expected, even though acceptable seizure control was often achieved only after 6 months of VPA therapy. The most significant side effect was gastrointestinal distress, which was alleviated by dietary changes. Limited experience suggested that enteric-coated capsules eliminated gastrointestinal symptoms. Hematologic, hepatic, and behavioral sequelae were minimal.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Sherard, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205.

Accepted for publication June 12, 1979.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				T. A. Glauser Behavioral and Psychiatric Adverse Events Associated With Antiepileptic Drugs Commonly Used in Pediatric Patients J Child Neurol, August 1, 2004; 19(1_suppl): S25 - S38. [Abstract] [PDF]

				T. A. Glauser Behavioral and Psychiatric Adverse Events Associated With Antiepileptic Drugs Commonly Used in Pediatric Patients J Child Neurol, January 1, 2004; 19(1_suppl): S25 - S38. [Abstract] [PDF]

				V. Biton, P. Levisohn, S. Hoyler, A. Vuong, and A. E. Hammer Lamotrigine Versus Valproate Monotherapy--Associated Weight Change in Adolescents With Epilepsy: Results From a Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial J Child Neurol, February 1, 2003; 18(2): 133 - 139. [Abstract] [PDF]

				D. L. Hurst The Rapid Change to Monotherapy With Valproic Acid in Children J Child Neurol, October 1, 1993; 8(4): 357 - 359. [Abstract] [PDF]