| CASE REPORT |
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| Year : 2010 | Volume
: 13
| Issue : 2 | Page : 145-147 |
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Valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy enhanced by topiramate and phenobarbitone: A case report and an update
S Vivekanandan1, S Dinesh Nayak2
1 Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Global Hospitals and Health City, Chennai - 600100, India
2 Department of Neurology, Global Hospitals and Health City, Chennai - 600100, India
Correspondence Address:
S Dinesh Nayak
Department of Neurology, Global Hospitals and Health City, 439, Cheran Nagar, Perumbakkam, Chennai-600 100
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/0972-2327.64638
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Although sodium valproate (VPA)-induced hepatic encephalopathy is a well-recognized entity, VPA can occasionally produce encephalopathy secondary to hyperammonemia in the presence of normal hepatic function, namely valproate-induced non-hepatic hyperammonemic encephalopathy (VNHE). Known risk factors include therapy with multiple antiepileptic drugs, especially when topiramate is one of the drugs; presence of underlying inborn errors of metabolism; febrile states; and insufficient nutritional intake. We describe a 5-year-old male child who developed VNHE while on polypharmacy with topiramate and phenobarbitone; the child also had poor nutritional intake. The encephalopathy reversed with withdrawal of VPA and treatment with L-carnitine. We emphasize the need for early recognition, investigation, and treatment of this potentially life-threatening condition. We also recommend that VPA, topiramate, and phenobarbitone should not be given in combination. |
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