Valproic Acid Induced Pancreatitis in Children
1 Section of Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
The recent report by Batalden et al,1 regarding pancreatitis associated with valproic acid (VPA) therapy is an important observation. We do not yet know how serious the situation really is. Death due to hepatic toxicity is another recently reported concern following the use of VPA in the treatment of children with convulsive disorders.2 With more experience such serious consequences are only now emerging, especially in children, and this contrasts strikingly with the virtual lack of harmful effects in adult short-term studies.3




