1
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McMorris T, Chu A, Vu L, Bernardini A. Hyperammonemia in patients receiving valproic acid in the hospital setting: A retrospective review. Ment Health Clin 2021; 11:243-247. [PMID: 34316420 PMCID: PMC8287865 DOI: 10.9740/mhc.2021.07.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Valproic acid (VPA) is widely used for the treatment of epilepsy, migraine, and a variety of psychiatric conditions. The reported incidences of hyperammonemia induced by VPA use is variable. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence of VPA-induced hyperammonemia in the general adult inpatient population. Methods Adult patients who received at least 1 dose of VPA and derivatives between June 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 were included. Patients were excluded if they did not have VPA administered during their inpatient stay or if they had elevated ammonia levels (>33 μmol/L) prior to initiation of VPA. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of liver cirrhosis were also excluded. The primary endpoint was the incidence of hyperammonemia. Secondary outcomes included symptoms of hyperammonemia, diagnosis of VPA-induced hyperammonemia, and treatment of VPA-induced hyperammonemia. Results A total of 162 patients were included in this study. A total of 33 (20.4%) patients were identified as having the primary outcome of hyperammonemia; 26 (16.0%) patients had symptoms of hyperammonemia, and 13 (8.0%) patients were diagnosed with VPA-induced hyperammonemia. Treatment modalities included administration of lactulose, levocarnitine, discontinuing VPA, or decreasing the VPA dose. Discussion The administration of VPA in the general adult inpatient population resulted in a 20.4% incidence of hyperammonemia, with a lower rate of diagnosed VPA-induced hyperammonemia. Clinicians should be encouraged to obtain ammonia levels in patients receiving VPA if symptoms of altered mental status or encephalopathy develop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tressa McMorris
- Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Roseman University of Health Sciences, South Jordan, Utah.,Pharmacist, CVS Pharmacy, Tuscon, Arizona; previously: Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy.,Pharmacist, Raley's Pharmacy, Reno, Nevada; previously: Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy
| | - Angela Chu
- Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Roseman University of Health Sciences, South Jordan, Utah
| | - Lynn Vu
- Pharmacist, CVS Pharmacy, Tuscon, Arizona; previously: Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy
| | - Amanda Bernardini
- Pharmacist, Raley's Pharmacy, Reno, Nevada; previously: Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy
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2
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Skipina TM, Macbeth S, Cummer EL, Wells OL, Kalathoor S. Recurrent noncirrhotic hyperammonemia causing acute metabolic encephalopathy in a patient with a continent ileocecal pouch: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2021; 15:294. [PMID: 34020707 PMCID: PMC8140457 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-021-02842-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Acute encephalopathy, while a common presentation in the emergency department, is typically caused by a variety of metabolic, vascular, infectious, structural, or psychiatric etiologies. Among metabolic causes, hyperammonemia is relatively common and typically occurs in the setting of cirrhosis or liver dysfunction. However, noncirrhotic hyperammonemia is a rare occurrence and poses unique challenges for clinicians. Case presentation Here we report a rare case of a 50-year-old Caucasian female with history of bladder cancer status post chemotherapy, radical cystectomy, and ileocecal diversion who presented to the emergency department with severe altered mental status, combativeness, and a 3-day history of decreased urine output. Her laboratory tests were notable for hyperammonemia up to 289 μmol/L, hypokalemia, and hyperchloremic nonanion gap metabolic acidosis; her liver function tests were normal. Urine cultures were positive for Enterococcus faecium. Computed tomography imaging showed an intact ileoceal urinary diversion with chronic ileolithiasis. Upon administration of appropriate antibiotics, lactulose, and potassium citrate, she experienced rapid resolution of her encephalopathy and a significant reduction in hyperammonemia. Her hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis persisted, but her hypokalemia had resolved. Conclusion This case is an example of one of the unique consequences of urinary diversions. Urothelial tissue is typically impermeable to urinary solutes. However, when bowel segments are used, abnormal absorption of solutes occurs, including exchange of urinary chloride for serum bicarbonate, leading to a persistent hyperchloremic nonanion gap metabolic acidosis. In addition, overproduction of ammonia from urea-producing organisms can lead to abnormal absorption into the blood and subsequent oversaturation of hepatic metabolic capacity with consequent hyperammonemic encephalopathy. Although this is a rare case, prompt identification and treatment of these metabolic abnormalities is critical to prevent severe central nervous system complications such as altered mental status, coma, and even death in patients with urinary diversions.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Skipina
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| | - S Macbeth
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - E L Cummer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - O L Wells
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - S Kalathoor
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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3
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Abstract
Delirium is the most common psychiatric diagnoses encountered in patients with various medical-surgical illnesses, in all the treatment set-ups, with relatively higher incidence and prevalence in the intensive care units. As delirium is encountered in multiple specialties, it is important to understand the research on this diagnosis. This study aims to assess the research output involving patients of delirium from India. A comprehensive search was undertaken using Medline (PubMed) and other databases. Search words included were “delirium,” “delirious,” “delirium tremens” AND “India.” No filters were used. Internet and hand searches yielded 305 articles. Out of these articles, 151 had the terms “delirium,” “delirious,” “delirium tremens” in the title and these were included for the review. Additionally, 14 articles were included for the review, although these did not have these terms in the title, but delirium was one of the major outcome parameters in these studies. Majority of the papers were original articles (
n
= 81), and these were followed by, case reports (
n
= 58), review articles (
n
= 10), letter to the editor (not as case reports but as a communication;
n
= 13), editorials (
n
= 2) and one clinical practice guideline. Most of the original papers have either focused on epidemiology (incidence, prevalence, outcome, etc.), symptom profile, with occasional studies focusing on effectiveness of various pharmacological interventions. There is a dearth of research in the field of delirium from India. There is a lack of studies on biomarkers, evaluation of nonpharmacological interventions, and evaluation of prevention strategies. It is the need of the hour to carry out more studies to further our understanding of delirium in the Indian context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Grover
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sanjana Kathiravan
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Devakshi Dua
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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4
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Shah S, Wang R, Vieux U. Valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2020; 14:19. [PMID: 31980035 PMCID: PMC6982381 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-020-2343-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hyperammonemic encephalopathy is a rare and serious adverse reaction to valproate. Although there is documentation of this reaction in previous reports, very little is still known about the exact mechanism of action. In addition, there are no established guidelines of the next steps needed when a patient does develop this reaction. Therefore, this case report highlights what is known as well as the areas of research still needed. Case presentation Our patient was a 57-year-old Caucasian woman with a medical history of bipolar I disorder, opioid use disorder, benzodiazepine use disorder, and Crohn’s disease who was admitted to our behavioral health unit for suicidal ideation. She had been experiencing multiple panic attacks for 2.5 weeks along with poor sleep, increased energy, excessive spending, and feelings of helplessness. The patient was diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, manic episode without psychotic features, and benzodiazepine use disorder. She was started on valproic acid, citalopram, propranolol, and quetiapine. By day 6 of her hospitalization, the patient had altered mental status, varying levels of consciousness, confusion, and ataxic gait. Her ammonia levels were found to be elevated. All of her medications were discontinued, and lactulose was initiated. She returned to her baseline mentation within 48 hours and was discharged with lithium and quetiapine. The treatment team concluded that this patient had valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy, a rare but reversible reaction to valproate. Conclusion Fortunately, rapid identification of this rare condition led to a favorable outcome in our patient. This case report illustrates the course of treatment in a patient who experienced this reaction and reviews current knowledge as well as areas of needed research in regard to valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhal Shah
- Orange Regional Medical Center, Middletown, NY, USA.
| | - Richard Wang
- Orange Regional Medical Center, Middletown, NY, USA
| | - Ulrick Vieux
- Orange Regional Medical Center, Middletown, NY, USA
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5
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Leo C, Wang Y, Mold A, Quintana J, Shi H, Abdullah M, Alaie D, Petrillo R. Noncirrhotic hyperammonemia: A factor behind dementia to alter mental status. Clin Case Rep 2019; 7:2118-2122. [PMID: 31788262 PMCID: PMC6878079 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.2436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthcare givers were recommended to check serum ammonia level for elderly patients with acute-on-chronic alteration of mental status. Early initiation of antihyperammonemia therapy may benefit improvement of alteration of mental status. Baseline mental status becomes necessary for diagnose the acute alteration of mental status and monitor the therapeutic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Leo
- Department of MedicineMontefiore Mount Vernon HospitalMount VernonNY
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of MedicineMontefiore Mount Vernon HospitalMount VernonNY
| | - Alexander Mold
- Department of MedicineMontefiore Mount Vernon HospitalMount VernonNY
| | - Junik Quintana
- Department of MedicineMontefiore Mount Vernon HospitalMount VernonNY
| | - Hong Shi
- Department of MedicineMontefiore Mount Vernon HospitalMount VernonNY
| | - Mahdi Abdullah
- Department of MedicineMontefiore Mount Vernon HospitalMount VernonNY
| | - Dariush Alaie
- Department of MedicineMontefiore Mount Vernon HospitalMount VernonNY
| | - Richard Petrillo
- Department of MedicineMontefiore Mount Vernon HospitalMount VernonNY
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6
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Davoudi-Monfared E, Radmehr M, Ghaeli P, Mousavi M. A Case Series of Severe Hyperammonemia Encephalopathy Related to Valproate: Can Antipsychotics Increase the Risk? IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2019; 14:248-252. [PMID: 31598129 PMCID: PMC6778604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Valproate-induced hyperammonemia is a common side effect of valproate, which may occur either without any symptoms or may rarely cause symptoms of encephalopathy. Different risk factors have been defined for this side effect, including some nutritional deficiencies and polypharmacy (eg, other anticonvulsants). Three cases with psychiatric disorder who showed symptoms of severe hyperammonemia encephalopathy and had taken valproate with antipsychotics, especially risperidone, are presented here. In all cases, the symptoms were improved by discontinuation of valproate. Administration of antipsychotic may be considered as a risk factor for hyperammonemic encephalopathy related to valproate, specifically in some prone populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Effat Davoudi-Monfared
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojan Radmehr
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Padideh Ghaeli
- Roozbeh Psychiatric Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Mousavi
- Research Center for Rational Use of Drugs, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Corresponding Author: Address: Research Center for Rational Use of Drugs, 4th floor, No 92, Karimkhan Zand Avenue, Hafte Tir Square, Tehran, Iran. Tel: 98-2188814157, Fax: 98-2188814157,
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7
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Sattar Y, Wasiq S, Yasin W, Khan AM, Adnan M, Shrestha S, Patel NB, Latchana S. Carglumic Acid Treatment of a Patient with Recurrent Valproic Acid-induced Hyperammonemia: A Rare Case Report. Cureus 2018; 10:e3292. [PMID: 30443462 PMCID: PMC6235635 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.3292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Valproic acid, first manufactured as an anticonvulsant, is commonly used to treat both neurological and psychiatric conditions. A rare and deadly side effect of this medication is hyperammonemia, presenting as lethargy, confusion, seizure, and, ultimately, coma. In rare circumstances, hyperammonemia can be recurrent and devastating, especially in patients with an underlying N-acetyl glutamate synthase (NAGS) deficiency, as the valproic acid can enhance this enzyme deficiency and inhibit the conversion of ammonia into urea in the liver. For these subtypes of patients, the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) has recently approved carglumic acid, a medication that can act as a scavenger by effectively increasing the levels of NAGS, ultimately enhancing the conversion of ammonia to urea. In our case report, we have mentioned a patient with treatment-resistant bipolar disorder, who presented with elevated ammonia levels secondary to valproic acid treatment. Valproic acid was the only drug that was effective in his case, so we initiated therapy to reduce his elevated ammonia levels. After a thorough evaluation, we found the patient had a genetic NAGS deficiency. Carglumic acid was initiated and proved efficacious in our patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasar Sattar
- Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Saad Wasiq
- Psychiatry, University of Health Sciences, Islamabad, PAK
| | - Waqas Yasin
- Psychiatry, Medical College of Wisconsin Affliated Hospitals, Milwaukee, USA
| | - Ali M Khan
- Psychiatry Resident, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Harlingen, USA
| | - Mahwish Adnan
- Center for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, CAN
| | | | - Nirav B Patel
- Department of Medicine, Lasante Health, New York, USA
| | - Sharaad Latchana
- Medical Student, American University of Integrative Sciences, Bridgewater, BRB
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8
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Brown LM, Cupples N, Moore TA. Levocarnitine for valproate-induced hyperammonemia in the psychiatric setting: A case series and literature review. Ment Health Clin 2018; 8:148-154. [PMID: 29955560 PMCID: PMC6007637 DOI: 10.9740/mhc.2018.05.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hyperammonemia is a potential adverse effect of valproic acid (VPA) therapy, which is often asymptomatic but can lead to severe, life-threatening encephalopathy. Carnitine deficiency due to VPA is the proposed mechanism for hyperammonemia and the development of VPA-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy (VHE). Levocarnitine, the active form of carnitine, has been suggested for treatment and prevention of VHE. Methods Data was collected by chart review of 3 patients who received oral levocarnitine supplementation in the psychiatric setting for VPA-induced hyperammonemia. Review of the literature was performed through June 2017 using the following PubMed search terms: valproate, valproic acid, hyperammonemia, altered mental status, encephalopathy, and levocarnitine. Articles were included if they described use of levocarnitine in VPA-treated patients with psychiatric disorders. Results One patient developed encephalopathy with resolution of symptoms after VPA discontinuation. Valproic acid was restarted with the addition of levocarnitine to prevent VHE reoccurrence. In the other 2 cases, levocarnitine was started prophylactically in patients who developed hyperammonemia without emergence of any clinical symptoms. Ammonia levels were reduced to normal in all cases, and no symptoms consistent with encephalopathy were reported. The literature search identified 6 additional cases with 5 of 6 reports supporting use of levocarnitine for decreased ammonia levels as well as an observational trial. Discussion This literature review and case series illustrates successful use of levocarnitine supplementation for reduction of ammonia levels in the setting of VPA-induced hyperammonemia among patients with psychiatric disorders. However, clinical significance of ammonia reduction in asymptomatic patients is difficult to determine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Brown
- Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Psychiatry, South Texas Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas; UT Health San Antonio, College of Medicine, San Antonio, Texas; University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Austin, Texas,
| | - Nicole Cupples
- Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, South Texas Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas; UT Health San Antonio, College of Medicine, San Antonio, Texas; University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Austin, Texas
| | - Troy A Moore
- Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, South Texas Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas; UT Health San Antonio, Department of Psychiatry, Division of Community Recovery, Research and Training, San Antonio, Texas; UT Health San Antonio, College of Medicine, San Antonio, Texas; University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Austin, Texas
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9
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Elwadhi D, Prakash R, Gupta M. The Menacing Side of Valproate: A Case Series of Valproate-induced Hyperammonemia. Indian J Psychol Med 2017; 39:668-670. [PMID: 29200567 PMCID: PMC5688898 DOI: 10.4103/0253-7176.217033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Valproate (VPA) is a well-tolerated and commonly used drug to treat variety of psychiatric and neurological disorders. VPA-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy is a rare adverse effect which can commonly occur in the background of normal liver function and therapeutic serum levels. Any delay in treatment of VPA-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy can lead to life-threatening coma thus a strong clinical suspicion, fair understanding of the pathophysiology, and management of this drug-related complication can prevent fatal outcome. We hereby report a series of cases admitted to a tertiary care center that developed hyperammonemia and all patients recovered on stopping VPA. This case series cautions the clinicians about hyperammonemia as an uncommon but highly plausible life-threatening side effect, emphasizing astute observation, and high degree of clinical suspicion to prevent mortality and limit morbidity. Early recognition of subtle gastrointestinal, cognitive, and behavioral signs can lead to immediate intervention with satisfying results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deeksha Elwadhi
- Department of Psychiatry, HIMSR, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Rashmi Prakash
- Department of Psychiatry, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
| | - Manushree Gupta
- Department of Psychiatry, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
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10
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Farooq F, Sahib Din J, Khan AM, Naqvi S, Shagufta S, Mohit A. Valproate-Induced Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy. Cureus 2017; 9:e1593. [PMID: 29062625 PMCID: PMC5650254 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.1593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Valproate is the best choice drug for a variety of medical conditions. As with any other drug, it has adverse effects, and it is important to emphasize the possibility of those adverse effects to prevent complications. We present the case history of a 44-year-old male with valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy, despite having normal liver function tests. This case includes a detailed literature review of this rare adverse event. In the light of this case report, we illustrate the importance of checking ammonia levels in all psychiatric patients receiving valproate as a treatment who present with new onset neurological symptoms or altered mental status.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ali M Khan
- Psychiatry, Kings County Hospital Center
| | - Syeda Naqvi
- Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Jinnah Sindh Medical University (SMC)
| | | | - Abdul Mohit
- Behavioral Health, Kings County Hospital Center
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11
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Chauhan VS, Dixit S, Goyal S, Azad S. Valproate induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy treated by haemodialysis. Ind Psychiatry J 2017; 26:99-102. [PMID: 29456331 PMCID: PMC5810177 DOI: 10.4103/ipj.ipj_37_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Valproate (VPA)-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy is an unusual, but serious, adverse effect of divalproex sodium (DVPX) treatment and if untreated can lead to raised intracranial pressure, seizures, coma, and eventually death. It can, however, be reversed if an early diagnosis is made. It is therefore extremely important to recognize it and discontinue DVPX treatment. Our patient developed sudden deterioration of sensorium, drowsiness, lethargy, and later severe comatose state after few days of starting DVPX with high levels of serum ammonia despite therapeutic levels of VPA and normal liver function test. He responded to hemodialysis, cerebral decongestants, and other intensive supportive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Singh Chauhan
- Department of Psychiatry, Base Hospital Delhi Cantonment, Delhi Cantonment, New Delhi, India
| | - Siddarth Dixit
- Department of Psychiatry, Command Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sunil Goyal
- Department of Psychiatry, Base Hospital Delhi Cantonment, Delhi Cantonment, New Delhi, India
| | - Sudip Azad
- Department of Psychiatry, Base Hospital Delhi Cantonment, Delhi Cantonment, New Delhi, India
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12
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Valproic Acid Induced Hyperammonemia in a Long Time Treated Patient. Case Rep Psychiatry 2016; 2016:6242314. [PMID: 27516916 PMCID: PMC4969522 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6242314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of a patient who had been on long time valproic acid for treatment of bipolar affective disorder. While being an inpatient, serology ammonia level testing revealed a very high ammonia level despite being asymptomatic. Dual therapy of carnitine and lactulose was provided to the patient for treatment of the hyperammonemia. It should also be noted that, during this treatment, valproic acid was not stopped. Consequently, this case illustrates that patients can present asymptomatically despite very high ammonia levels and hyperammonemia can occur in chronic valproic acid despite not increasing the dose of the medication and psychiatrists do not need to discontinue valproic acid in the presence of elevated levels of ammonia if the patient shows no signs of encephalopathy or delirium.
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13
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Muraleedharan A, Palappallil DS, Gangadhar R, Das S. Valproate Induced Hyperammonemic Delirium. J Clin Diagn Res 2015; 9:FR01-3. [PMID: 26816916 DOI: 10.7860/jcdr/2015/15562.6883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Sodium valproate induced hyperammonaemic delirium with normal liver function tests is a relatively uncommon adverse effect. It may be mistaken for psychosis or worsening of mania leading to wrong diagnosis and improper management. Plasma ammonia levels should be monitored in all patients developing altered mental status after receiving valproate therapy. This is a case series of hyperammonaemic delirium due to valproate reported to the Department of Pharmacology from Department of Psychiatry over a period of one year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupama Muraleedharan
- Junior Resident, Department of Pharmacology, Government TDMC , Alappuzha, Kerala, India
| | | | - Reneega Gangadhar
- Professor, Department of Pharmacology, Sree Mookambika Institute of Medical Science , Kulasekharam, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Soumitra Das
- Junior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, Government TDMC , Alappuzha, Kerala, India
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