Valproik Asitin Epileptik Çocuklarda Fetal Hemoglobin Sentezi Üzerine Etkileri

Abstract

Valproic acid has been used to treat epilepsy in children. The most common side effects are hepatotoxicity, anemia and thrombocytopenia. However the effect of valproic acid on fetal hemoglobin levels has not been revealed adequately. In this study it was aimed to search the effect of valproic acid on hemoglobin levels in children receiving valproic acid. In the present cross sectional study the research group consisted of children with epilepsy who had been receiving valproic acid monotherapy for at least six months. The control group contained children without epilepsy or valproic acid medication. The data from 44 patients and 57 controls were analyzed. The mean percentage of HbF of the study group and control group were 0.48 ±0.96 (%) and 0.25 ±0.61 (%) respectively, and there was no statistical difference between groups. There was a positive relation between blood valproic acid level and HbF levels. The present research showed that valproic acid has no effect on HbF levels. For children on valproic acid therapy, the detection of increased fetal hemoglobin levels must be evaluated carefully.