Monotherapy with sodium valproate in generalized primary epilepsy. 2d phase: Study of long-term efficacy and tolerance
Feuerstein, J.; Revol, M.; Roger, J.; Sallou, C.; Truelle, J.L.; Vercelletto, P.; Weber, M.
La Semaine des Hopitaux Organe Fonde Par l'Association d'Enseignement Medical des Hopitaux de Paris 59(16): 1263-1274
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-1777 PMID: 6191393 Document Number: 214752
From the analysis of 115 cases of primary generalized epilepsies treated for a mean duration of 43 months with sodium valproate as sole therapy, it appears that: the mean effective daily dosage is 21 mg/kg; the efficacy of valproate proved excellent in 82.6% of cases (seizures fully controlled: 74%, seizures occurring exceptionally: 9%); a loss of activity was never observed; in these circumstances of prolonged administration of the drug, no signs of major intolerance were seen; side-effects occurred in 29% of cases, including 20% long-term effects (weight gain, essential tremor); 64 series of laboratory tests including 15 parameters made it possible to evaluate the hematological, hepatic and pancreatic tolerance of valproate: the majority of the tests were normal. The authors believe that during long-term therapy with valproate, monitoring does not need to include the routine performance of liver function tests, but that it would be more advisable, should a suggestive clinical sign be noted, to investigate the platelet count, coagulation (partial activated thromboplastin time) and protein synthesis (fibrinogen).