04 - COMPARING THE EFFECTS OF LEVETIRACETAM AND VALPROIC ACID TREATMENT ON LIVER FUNCTION TESTS, PLASMA FREE CARNITINE, LIPID PEROXIDATION AND OXIDATIVE DNA DAMAGE IN CHILDHOOD EPILEPSIES

Abstract Background Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit that affects predominantly adolescents and young adults. Oral isotretinoin is a highly effective treatment agent for patients with nodulocystic acne and moderate to severe acne resistant to conventional therapy, isotretinoin might have side effects of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. . Malondialdehyde is the end product of lipid peroxidation and is a good marker of free radical-mediated damage and oxidative stress. Objective The purpose of this study to estimate malondialdehyde level in patients on Isotretinoin treatment for moderate to severe acne and compare them with healthy control group. Patients and Methods The case-control study was conducted at Ain. Shams University Faculty of Medicine, Egypt, from October 2017 to April 2017, and comprised male or non-pregnant female patients more than 18 years of age. 88 participants were included in the study; 44 cases, categorized by the Global Evaluation Acne (GEA) into 22 patients with moderate acne vulgaris and 22 patients with severe acne in comparison to equal healthy matching group. Isotretinoin was started in a dosage of 0.5mg/kg/day, and1.0mg/kg/day in patients with moderate and severe acne vulgaris respectively. Malondialdehyde, liver function tests, lipid profile and CBC were tested at the baseline for all participants and after 3 months for the patients who started isotretnoin therapy. Results In the current study, the mean baseline level malondialdehyde among all cases was 141.39 µmo1/m1±88.90, (range: 34.5 -360) and in controls it was 40 [µmo1/m1 ±11.3, (range: 9.5-90.4) this difference was statistically highly significant (P = 0.001). There was highly significant difference in malondialdehyde serum level (p = 0.0001) among all cases after 3 months of isotretnoin therapy, also there was a significant increase in MDA serum level among moderate cases (p = 0.021) and highly significant increase of MDA in severe cases (p=.001).ALP, ALT, serum cholesterol and triglyceride significant increases were seen in all cases. Conclusion low dose isotretinoin seems to have less side effects on basic laboratory data such as CBC, liver function tests, lipid profile and Malondialdehyde serum levels than high dose.

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Encephalopathy and Hyperammonemia Associated with Valproic Acid

Journal of Pharmacy Technology ◽

10.1177/875512250502100607 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 21 (6) ◽

pp. 348-350 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jennie L Yee ◽

David Wong ◽

Thomas M Ormiston

Keyword(s):

Valproic Acid ◽

Liver Function ◽

Normal Liver ◽

Liver Function Tests ◽

Ammonia Level ◽

Drug Event ◽

Altered Level ◽

Function Tests ◽

Drug Concentrations ◽

Level Of Consciousness

Objective: To discuss the case of a patient who experienced an altered level of consciousness secondary to hyperammonemia associated with valproic acid who had normal drug concentrations and liver function tests. Case Summary: A 48-year-old man with a history of seizure disorder treated with valproic acid presented with an altered level of consciousness. An extensive workup revealed only an increased ammonia level. His medications were withheld. Within 24 hours, the ammonia level returned to normal and he was able to be aroused. His antiseizure medication was changed to gabapentin. All of his chronic medications, other than valproic acid, were restarted. The patient has had no further increases in ammonia levels or episodes of altered mental status. Discussion: Encephalopathy due to hyperammonemia is generally due to severe liver dysfunction. In our case, however, hyperammonemia occurred in a patient with normal liver function who was also taking valproic acid. An objective causality assessment revealed that the adverse drug event was probably related to valproic acid. A review of the literature indicates that the increased ammonia levels were probably secondary to the effect of valproic acid on the kidneys or the liver. Withdrawal of the offending agent resulted in normalization of ammonia levels and resolution of encephalopathy. Conclusions: With a widening of its clinical indications, the use of valproic acid has been increasing. Even though valproic acid concentrations may be therapeutic/nontoxic and liver function tests normal, practitioners are encouraged to check the ammonia level. Hyperammonemia, once recognized, is easily treated.

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