Valproic acid-induced pancreatitis: 16 new cases and a review of the literature.

Background: Acute pancreatitis is rarely seen in children, and, in contrast to cases in adults, it is often drug induced. One possible medication is the antiepileptic drug valproic acid (VPA), which is commonly prescribed for generalized and focal epilepsy, migraine, neuropathic pain, and bipolar disorder. The common side effects associated with VPA are typically benign, but less common but more serious adverse effects may occur.

Valproic acid induced encephalopathy--19 new cases in Germany from 1994 to 2003--a side effect associated to VPA-therapy not only in young children.

Valproic acid (VPA) is a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug and is usually well-tolerated. Rare serious complications may occur in some patients, including haemorrhagic pancreatitis, bone marrow suppression, VPA-induced hepatotoxicity and VPA-induced encephalopathy. The typical signs of VPA-induced encephalopathy are impaired consciousness, sometimes marked EEG background slowing, increased seizure frequency, with or without hyperammonemia.