Blood ammonia levels in epileptic children on 2 dose ranges of valproic acid monotherapy: a cross-sectional study

J Child Neurol. 2011 Jan;26(1):109-12. doi: 10.1177/0883073810377235. Epub 2010 Oct 4.

Abstract

This cross-sectional study was planned to study the blood ammonia levels in epileptic children on 2 dose ranges of valproic acid monotherapy. A total of 60 epileptic children aged 3 months to 12 years, that were on valproic acid monotherapy for at least 3 months, were enrolled and divided into 2 groups, a low-dose group (dose, 20-39 mg/kg/d [n = 32]) and a high-dose group (dose, 40-60 mg/kg/d [n=31]). Measurements of blood ammonia, serum valproic acid levels, and liver and renal function tests were performed. Blood ammonia levels were significantly higher in the high-dose group (median, 79.2 µg/dL; range, 55.23-114.29 µg/dL) as compared with the low-dose group (median, 47.2 µg/dL; range, 20.62-73.25 µg/dL). Blood ammonia levels significantly correlated with both the dose (r = .77, P < .001) and serum levels (r = .88, P < .001) of valproic acid. All the children with hyperammonemia were asymptomatic. There were no significant differences in the other biochemical parameters between the 2 groups.

MeSH terms

  • Ammonia / blood*
  • Anticonvulsants / administration & dosage*
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Epilepsy / blood*
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy*
  • Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Kidney Function Tests
  • Valproic Acid / administration & dosage*
  • Valproic Acid / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Valproic Acid
  • Ammonia