Valproate-induced Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy (VHE) in General Hospital Patients with one or more Psychiatric Disorders ☆

Divalproex sodium/valproic acid (VPA) is an antiepileptic drug approved for use in epilepsy and bipolar disorder. Valproate-induced hyperammonemia (VHA) occurs in up to 50 % of VPA-treated patients, some of which may become encephalopathic. Valproate-induced encephalopathy (VHE) is thought to be rare, and for a variety of reasons the diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion. The study ’s goals are to determine how common VHE is, and the quality of treatment provided when diagnosed.
Source: Psychosomatics - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research