Abstract
Valproic acid (VA) is a commonly used anticonvulsant. One proposed mechanism of action for VA is enhancement of central GABAergic tone by inhibition of GABA transaminase. We report suppression of somatic growth, hGH, and thyroid function in 5 girls, ages 2-14 years, maintained o therapeutic VA serum levels (60-120 ug/ml) for 15-84 months.
All children showed suppressed hGH values to L-Dopa(A) or insulin(B) testing during VA therapy. hGH responses, Free T4 and SMC values normalized with concomitant increases in growth velocity after VA was stopped. Summary: Chronic VA therapy can suppress hGH, T4, SMC, and inhibit growth. This effect may be due to exhaustion of the stimulatory effect of GABA on the somatotrope or thyrotrope during chronic VA therapy. Growth must be carefully monitored in all patients on VA therapy.
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Huseman, C., Torkelson, R. SUPPRESSION OF GROWTH HORMONE AND THYROID HORMONE ASSOCIATED WITH VALPROIC ACID THERAPY. Pediatr Res 21 (Suppl 4), 248 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00486
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198704010-00486