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Sodium valproate continues to be prescribed in hundreds of pregnancies, data show
BMJ 2022; 377 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.o1013 (Published 21 April 2022)
Cite this as: BMJ 2022;377:o1013
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Re: Sodium valproate continues to be prescribed in hundreds of pregnancies, data show
Dear Editor
Valproic acid was synthesized in 1882. The antiepileptic properties of valproic acid, which is structurally unrelated to other antiepileptic drugs, were discovered by chance in 1963.
The first clinical trials with valproic acid were reported in 1964. It was marketed in France in 1967 and released in the United States in 1978.
In late 1970s, valproic acid was marketed worldwide and attained the status of a major antiepileptic drug.
Valproic acid may cause serious or life-threatening damage to the liver that is most likely to occur within the first 6 months of therapy.
The risk of developing liver damage is greater in children who are younger than 2 years of age and are also taking more than one medication to prevent seizures, have certain inherited diseases that may prevent the body from changing food to energy normally, or any condition that affects the ability to think, learn, and understand.
Valporic acid In patients having an certain inherited condition that affects the brain, muscles, nerves, and liver (Alpers Huttenlocher Syndrome), urea cycle disorder (an inherited condition that affects the ability to metabolize protein), or liver disease may have more adverse effects.
Valproic acid can cause serious birth defects especially affecting the brain and spinal cord and can also cause lower intelligence and problems with movement and coordination, learning, communication, emotions, and behavior in babies exposed to valproic acid before birth.
Competing interests: No competing interests
01 May 2022
M.A. Aleem
Emeritus Professor of Neurology * Visiting Specialist in Neurology ** Consultant Neurologist ***
The Tamilnadu Dr.M.G.R. Medical University * Dhanalakshami Srinivasan Medical College ** ABC Hospital ***
Chennai 600032* Perambalure 621212** Trichy 620018*** Tamilnadu India
@drmaaleem
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