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 hepatopathy: nine new fatalities in Germany from 1994 to 2003.

Purpose: Valproic acid (VPA) is an antiepileptic drug (AED) commonly used for generalized and focal epilepsies. We provide an update on hepatotoxic side effects in Germany between 1994 and 2003.

Methods: We mailed a questionnaire to all members of the German Section of the International League Against Epilepsy, asking for VPA-induced side effects, especially severe side effects such as hepatopathy.

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.

Chlorinated hydrocarbons in fat tissue: analyses of residues in healthy children, tumor patients, and malformed children.

The content of chlorinated hydrocarbons (CHC) was determined by means of capillary column gas chromatography in samples of fat tissue from 183 healthy children, 46 children with malignant tumors and 33 children with benign tumors or congenital malformations. The highest concentrations were found for total polychlorobiphenyls (PCB) (mean = 1.614 ppm), followed by the DDT group (mean = 0.