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Pan C, Zhao Z, Liu Z, Luo T, Zhu M, Xu Z, Yu C, Huang H. Valproate encephalopathy: Case series and literature review. SAGE Open Med Case Rep 2024; 12:2050313X241260152. [PMID: 38911175 PMCID: PMC11191625 DOI: 10.1177/2050313x241260152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Valproate encephalopathy is one of the unusual and severe but treatable side effect. This research focuses on four female patients who had valproate medication for epilepsy and developed an increased frequency of seizures, exacerbated disruption of consciousness, gastrointestinal problems, cognitive dysfunction, ataxia, and psychobehavioral abnormalities. The patient's symptoms improved over time once sodium valproate was stopped. As a result, when using sodium valproate, one should be aware of the risk of sodium valproate encephalopathy and cease using the medication right once if any of the above symptoms of unknown etiology manifest clinically. We also go over the potential pathogenesis that lead to valproate encephalopathy and the heightened risk of encephalopathy from taking antiepileptic medications together. It was stressed how crucial it is to identify, diagnose, and treat sodium valproate encephalopathy as soon as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhua Pan
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Ziyi Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Ting Luo
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Manmin Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Zucai Xu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Changyin Yu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
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Wu J, Hu Y. A late-onset hyperammonemia syndrome caused by Ureaplasma parvum infection after kidney transplantation. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32134. [PMID: 38912440 PMCID: PMC11190536 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32134] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Hyperammonemia syndrome has a high mortality rate in the immunosuppressed population due to its association with mental status changes. Recently studies have shown that Ureaplasma organisms' infection can lead to hyperammonemia in post-transplant patients. Symptoms typically occur within 30 days postoperatively. However, the late-onset hyperammonemia caused by Ureaplasma parvum infection after kidney transplantation has never been reported. In this case study, a 64-year-old Chinese male presented with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, and deteriorating mental status 81 days after kidney transplantation. His plasma ammonia level was significantly elevated, and there was no evidence of liver synthetic dysfunction. Although common methods for ammonia clearance, such as haemodialysis and oral lactulose were initiated, his serum ammonia levels remained high. Metagenomic sequencing of serum determined Ureaplasma parvum infection. Levofloxacin and minocycline were administered respectively, which resulted in a decrease in ammonia levels, but normalization was not achieved. The computed tomographic scan revealed the presence of cerebral edema. Unfortunately, the patient eventually became brain dead with multiple organ failure. This case highlights that Ureaplasma parvum can cause late-onset hyperammonemia in kidney transplant patients. Once the mental status changes are identified, immediate empiric treatments should be initiated without waiting for a confirmed diagnosis of Ureaplasma spp. infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Centre for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Yunjian Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, National Centre for Gerontology, Beijing, China
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3
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Moedas MF, Simões RJM, Silva MFB. Mitochondrial targets in hyperammonemia: Addressing urea cycle function to improve drug therapies. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 222:116034. [PMID: 38307136 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
The urea cycle (UC) is a critically important metabolic process for the disposal of nitrogen (ammonia) produced by amino acids catabolism. The impairment of this liver-specific pathway induced either by primary genetic defects or by secondary causes, namely those associated with hepatic disease or drug administration, may result in serious clinical consequences. Urea cycle disorders (UCD) and certain organic acidurias are the major groups of inherited rare diseases manifested with hyperammonemia (HA) with UC dysregulation. Importantly, several commonly prescribed drugs, including antiepileptics in monotherapy or polytherapy from carbamazepine to valproic acid or specific antineoplastic agents such as asparaginase or 5-fluorouracil may be associated with HA by mechanisms not fully elucidated. HA, disclosing an imbalance between ammoniagenesis and ammonia disposal via the UC, can evolve to encephalopathy which may lead to significant morbidity and central nervous system damage. This review will focus on biochemical mechanisms related with HA emphasizing some poorly understood perspectives behind the disruption of the UC and mitochondrial energy metabolism, namely: i) changes in acetyl-CoA or NAD+ levels in subcellular compartments; ii) post-translational modifications of key UC-related enzymes, namely acetylation, potentially affecting their catalytic activity; iii) the mitochondrial sirtuins-mediated role in ureagenesis. Moreover, the main UCD associated with HA will be summarized to highlight the relevance of investigating possible genetic mutations to account for unexpected HA during certain pharmacological therapies. The ammonia-induced effects should be avoided or overcome as part of safer therapeutic strategies to protect patients under treatment with drugs that may be potentially associated with HA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco F Moedas
- Research Institute for Medicines-iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; Centre for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ricardo J M Simões
- Research Institute for Medicines-iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Margarida F B Silva
- Research Institute for Medicines-iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
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García-Díaz HC, Eremiev S, Gómez-Alonso J, Veas Rodriguez J, Farriols A, Carreras MJ, Serrano C. Hyperammonemic encephalopathy after tyrosine kinase inhibitors: A literature review and a case example. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2024; 30:576-583. [PMID: 38258317 DOI: 10.1177/10781552231225188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the evidence of uncommon but fatal adverse event of hyperammonemic encephalopathy by tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) and the possible mechanisms underlying this condition and to describe the case of a patient that developed drug-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy related to TKI. DATA SOURCES Literature search of different databases was performed for studies published from 1 January 1992 to 7 May 2023. The search terms utilized were hyperammonemic encephalopathy, TKI, apatinib, pazopanib, sunitinib, imatinib, sorafenib, regorafenib, trametinib, urea cycle regulation, sorafenib, carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase 1, ornithine transcarbamylase, argininosuccinate synthetase, argininosuccinate lyase, arginase 1, Mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway and mTOR pathway, were used individually search or combined. DATA SUMMARY Thirty-seven articles were included. The articles primarily focused in hyperammonemic encephalopathy case reports, management of hyperammonemic encephalopathy, urea cycle regulation, autophagy, mTOR and MAPK pathways, and TKI. CONCLUSION Eighteen cases of hyperammonemic encephalopathy were reported in the literature from various multitargeted TKI. The mechanism of this event is not well-understood but some authors have hypothesized vascular causes since some of TKI are antiangiogenic, however our literature review shows a possible relationship between the urea cycle and the molecular inhibition exerted by TKI. More preclinical evidence is required to unveil the biochemical mechanisms responsible involved in this process and clinical studies are necessary to shed light on the prevalence, risk factors, management and prevention of this adverse event. It is important to monitor neurological symptoms and to measure ammonia levels when manifestations are detected.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simeon Eremiev
- Medical Oncology Service, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Gómez-Alonso
- Department of Pharmacy Service, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Anna Farriols
- Department of Pharmacy Service, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria J Carreras
- Department of Pharmacy Service, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
| | - César Serrano
- Medical Oncology Service, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
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Wesselman K, Cavaliere V, Goyal R, Anderson E. Valproate, risperidone, and paliperidone: A case of valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy. Ment Health Clin 2024; 14:28-32. [PMID: 38312439 PMCID: PMC10836567 DOI: 10.9740/mhc.2024.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Hyperammonemia is a well-known adverse effect of valproate that can progress to a potentially fatal condition known as valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy (VHE). VHE is more common when valproate is used in combination therapy with other antiepileptic medications. A growing number of case reports have pointed to a possible interaction with the antipsychotic risperidone leading to an increased risk of VHE. We present a case of VHE in which a 20-year-old male patient with bipolar affective disorder developed VHE when on concomitant valproate, risperidone, and paliperidone palmitate. On the seventh day of treatment with oral risperidone, oral divalproex sodium was added. Intramuscular paliperidone palmitate was initiated on day 13, and oral risperidone was discontinued after the second loading dose on day 16. The following day, the patient displayed worsening psychomotor retardation, swaying gait, drowsiness, and vomiting. The patient was found to have hyperammonemia and transferred to the emergency department for treatment of suspected VHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Wesselman
- Pharmacy Student, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Vincent Cavaliere
- Pharmacy Student, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland
- Attending Psychiatrist, Luminis Health, Annapolis, Maryland
- Medical Director, McNew Medical Center, Chief of Psychiatry, Behavioral Health, Luminis Health, Annapolis, Maryland
| | - Rakesh Goyal
- Attending Psychiatrist, Luminis Health, Annapolis, Maryland
| | - Eric Anderson
- Medical Director, McNew Medical Center, Chief of Psychiatry, Behavioral Health, Luminis Health, Annapolis, Maryland
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Liu R, Xiao L, Hu Y, Yan Q, Liu X. Rescue strategies for valproic acid overdose poisoning: Case series and literature review. Clin Case Rep 2024; 12:e8367. [PMID: 38161627 PMCID: PMC10753133 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8367] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) is a wide-ranging anti-epileptic medication that primarily affects bipolar disorder, mania, and migraine. The leading causes of mortality associated with acute poisoning from VPA are nervous system toxicity, drug-induced shock due to encephalopathy from hyperammonemia, as well as acute liver and kidney failure, and respiratory depression that contribute to hemodynamic instability. Treatment of acute VPA poisoning primarily involves in vitro elimination methods, including hemoperfusion (HP), hemodialysis, and hemofiltration, as well as drug remedies such as L-carnitine and meropenem. Nonetheless, there are conflicting opinions regarding drug usage. This article details the three cases of acute poisoning from VPA. The fundamental approach to treatment employs HP assisted by blood concentration monitoring to alleviate shock and stabilize hemodynamics. This investigation presents guidance for the treatment and management of acute poisoning with VPA in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renzhu Liu
- Department of Clinical PharmacyXiangtan Central HospitalXiangtanChina
- Zhou Honghao Research Institute XiangtanXiangtan Central HospitalXiangtanChina
| | - Lu Xiao
- Department of Children Health CareXiangtan Maternal and Child Care Service CentreXiangtanChina
| | - Yixiang Hu
- Department of Clinical PharmacyXiangtan Central HospitalXiangtanChina
- Zhou Honghao Research Institute XiangtanXiangtan Central HospitalXiangtanChina
| | - Qingzi Yan
- Department of Clinical PharmacyXiangtan Central HospitalXiangtanChina
- Zhou Honghao Research Institute XiangtanXiangtan Central HospitalXiangtanChina
| | - Xiang Liu
- Department of Clinical PharmacyXiangtan Central HospitalXiangtanChina
- Zhou Honghao Research Institute XiangtanXiangtan Central HospitalXiangtanChina
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Jamshidzadeh A, Heidari R, Shams M, Ebrahimi-sharghi M, Marashi SM. Carnitine in Alleviation of Complications Caused by Acute Valproic Acid Toxicity; an Exprimental Study on Mice. ARCHIVES OF ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2023; 12:e20. [PMID: 38371450 PMCID: PMC10871053 DOI: 10.22037/aaem.v12i1.2146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Hyperammonemia and hepatotoxicity are well-known complications of valproic acid (VPA) poisoning. The objective of this study is to evaluate the potential role of carnitine in mitigating the adverse effects of acute VPA toxicity in mice. Methods 54 male mice (25-30 g) were randomly assigned to one of three categories, including acute, sub-acute, and chronic poisoning. Each category contained 3 groups, each consisting of 6 mice (Group 1: control, Group 2: VPA treated, and Group 3: VPA + carnitine treated). The animals were sacrificed 24 hours after the initial injection, and their blood, liver, and brain samples were compared between groups of each category regarding liver function biomarkers, oxidative stress markers, ammonia level, and liver histopathologic changes using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's multiple comparison test. Results The administration of VPA increased the serum level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (p=0.003) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p=0.001), as well as serum, and brain level of ammonia (p=0.0001 for both) in the intervention group. Elevated levels of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress (p=0.0001 for both) in the liver tissue, decreased liver glutathione (p=0.0001) and ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (p=0.0001), and histopathologic changes in the form of moderate to severe inflammation were observed. Administration of VPA + carnitine reduced AST (p=0.05) and ALT (p=0.01), increased the FRAP, reduced free oxygen radicals and liver lipid peroxidation (p=0.0001 for all), and decreased tissue damage in the form of moderate inflammation. The administration of carnitine was ineffective in reducing brain or plasma ammonia levels in acute VPA-treated animals (p = 0.0115). Conclusions Although the administration of carnitine has been suggested as a protective remedy in cases of VPA toxicity, according to the present study, it did not have an antidotal effect and did not prevent encephalopathy or liver injury in acute VPA toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Jamshidzadeh
- Department of Pharmacology Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Heidari
- Department of Pharmacology Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahdie Shams
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Melika Ebrahimi-sharghi
- Student Research Committee of Pharmacy School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sayed Mahdi Marashi
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Kwack DW, Kim DW. Risk factors of hyperammonemia in epilepsy patients with valproic acid therapy. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2023; 233:107962. [PMID: 37717359 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2023.107962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperammonemia can occur after acute overdose or chronic use of valproic acid (VPA). Although VPA-related hyperammonemic encephalopathy (VHE) is a rare complication of VPA therapy, early recognition of VHE and identifying its risk factors are important because VHE can lead to loss of consciousness and increased seizure frequency. PURPOSE The purpose of our study is to evaluate the risk factors of hyperammonemia in epilepsy patients during treatment with VPA therapy. METHODS We reviewed the medical records of 1084 adult patients with epilepsy and enrolled 116 patients with VPA therapy who had results of blood levels of ammonia over a 3-year period. Hyperammonemia was defined as a blood ammonia level exceeding 80 µg/dL. Correlations of blood levels of ammonia with dosages and blood levels of VPA were evaluated. We further performed univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses to identify risk factors for hyperammonemia in epilepsy patients treated with VPA therapy. RESULTS Blood levels of ammonia were well correlated with dosages of VPA (p = 0.036), but not with blood levels of VPA (p = 0.463). Hyperammonemia was more common in patients with higher VPA dosage and higher total drug loads of concurrent antiseizure medications (ASMs). Hyperammonemia was also associated with the use of topiramate and phenobarbital. In multivariate analysis, we identified total drug load of ASMs (p = 0.003) and use of topiramate (p = 0.007) as independent predictors of hyperammonemia. Four patients (4/116, 3.4 %) had clinical symptoms of VHE. Three of them had hyperammonemia while the other patient had normal blood level of ammonia with a high blood level of VPA. CONCLUSION Our study shows that higher total drug loads of concurrent ASMs and use of topiramate were independent risk factors of hyperammonemia in epilepsy patients with VPA therapy. Although the incidence of VHE was not high in our study, clinicians should be aware of this potential adverse effect of VPA therapy, especially in patients with polytherapy of ASMs including topiramate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Won Kwack
- Department of Neurology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, the Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Wook Kim
- Department of Neurology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, the Republic of Korea.
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Shakerdi L, Ryan A. Drug-induced hyperammonaemia. J Clin Pathol 2023:jcp-2022-208644. [PMID: 37164630 DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2022-208644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Hyperammonaemia (HA) as a consequence of numerous primary or secondary causes, gives rise to clinical manifestations due to its toxic effects on the brain. The neurological consequences broadly reflect the ammonia level, duration and age, with paediatric patients being more susceptible. Drug-induced HA may arise due to either decreased ammonia elimination or increased production. This is associated most frequently with use of valproate and presents a dilemma between ongoing therapeutic need, toxicity and the possibility of an alternative cause. As there is no specific test for drug-induced HA, prompt discussion with a metabolic physician is recommended, as the neurotoxic effects are time-dependent. Specific guidelines for managing drug-induced HA have yet to be published and hence the treatment approach outlined in this review reflects that outlined in relevant urea cycle disorder guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loai Shakerdi
- National Centre for Inherited Metabolic Disorders, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aidan Ryan
- Chemical Pathology, Cork University Hospital Biochemistry Laboratory, Cork, Ireland
- Pathology, University College Cork College of Medicine and Health, Cork, Ireland
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10
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperammonemia is an adverse effect that poses clinical uncertainty around valproic acid (VPA) use. The prevalence of symptomatic and asymptomatic hyperammonemia and its relationship to VPA concentration is not well established. There is also no clear guidance regarding its management. This results in variability in the monitoring and treatment of VPA-induced hyperammonemia. To inform clinical practice, this systematic review aims to summarize evidence available around VPA-associated hyperammonemia and its prevalence, clinical outcomes, and management. METHODS An electronic search was performed through Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Web of Science, and PsycINFO using search terms that identified hyperammonemia in patients receiving VPA. Two reviewers independently performed primary title and abstract screening with a third reviewer resolving conflicting screening results. This process was repeated during the full-text review process. RESULTS A total of 240 articles were included. Prevalence of asymptomatic hyperammonemia (5%-73%) was higher than symptomatic hyperammonemia (0.7%-22.2%) and occurred within the therapeutic range of VPA serum concentration. Various risk factors were identified, including concomitant medications, liver injury, and defects in carnitine metabolism. With VPA discontinued, most symptomatic patients returned to baseline mental status with normalized ammonia level. There was insufficient data to support routine monitoring of ammonia level for VPA-associated hyperammonemia. CONCLUSIONS Valproic acid-associated hyperammonemia is a common adverse effect that may occur within therapeutic range of VPA. Further studies are required to determine the benefit of routine ammonia level monitoring and to guide the management of VPA-associated hyperammonemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiu-Ching Jennifer Wong
- From the Department of Pharmacy, St Paul's Hospital; and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Schiavo A, Maldonado C, Vázquez M, Fagiolino P, Trocóniz IF, Ibarra M. Quantitative systems pharmacology Model to characterize valproic acid-induced hyperammonemia and the effect of L-carnitine supplementation. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 183:106399. [PMID: 36740101 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) is a short-chain fatty acid widely prescribed in the treatment of seizure disorders and epilepsy syndromes, although its therapeutic value may be undermined by its toxicity. VPA serious adverse effects are reported to have a significant and dose-dependent incidence, many associated with VPA-induced hyperammonemia. This effect has been linked with reduced levels of carnitine; an endogenous compound involved in fatty acid's mitochondrial β-oxidation by facilitation of its entrance via the carnitine shuttle. High exposure to VPA can lead to carnitine depletion causing a misbalance between the intra-mitochondrial β-oxidation and the microsomal ω-oxidation, a pathway that produces toxic metabolites such as 4-en-VPA which inhibits ammonia elimination. Moreover, a reduction in carnitine levels might be also related to VPA-induced obesity and lipids disorder. In turn, L-carnitine supplementation (CS) has been recommended and empirically used to reduce VPA's hepatotoxicity. The aim of this work was to develop a Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) model to characterize VPA-induced hyperammonemia and evaluate the benefits of CS in preventing hyperammonemia under both chronic treatment and after VPA overdosing. The QSP model included a VPA population pharmacokinetics model that allowed the prediction of total and unbound concentrations after single and multiple oral doses considering its saturable binding to plasma proteins. Predictions of time courses for 2-en-VPA, 4-en-DPA, VPA-glucuronide, carnitine, ammonia and urea levels, and for the relative change in fatty acids, Acetyl-CoA, and glutamate reflected the VPA induced changes and the efficacy of the treatment with L-carnitine. The QSP model was implemented to give a rational basis for the L-carnitine dose selection to optimize CS depending on VPA dosage regime and to assess the currently recommended L-carnitine rescue therapy after VPA overdosing. Results show that a L-carnitine dose equal to the double of the VPA dose using the same interdose interval would maintain the ammonia levels at baseline. The QSP model may be expanded in the future to describe other adverse events linked to VPA-induced changes in endogenous compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Schiavo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry. Universidad de la República. Montevideo, Uruguay; Graduate Program in Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Universidad de la República. Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Cecilia Maldonado
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry. Universidad de la República. Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Marta Vázquez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry. Universidad de la República. Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Pietro Fagiolino
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry. Universidad de la República. Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Iñaki F Trocóniz
- Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra. Pamplona, Spain; IdiSNA; Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Manuel Ibarra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry. Universidad de la República. Montevideo, Uruguay.
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Valproic acid-induced hyperammonemia in neuropsychiatric disorders: a 2-year clinical survey. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:149-156. [PMID: 36459199 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06289-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Valproic acid (VPA)-induced hyperammonemia (HA) is a rare adverse effect reported even at therapeutic VPA levels. The present study aimed to investigate the characteristics of VPA-induced HA and its association with the total dose, duration, and level of VPA. This study also investigated whether the use of VPA in combination with other medications has any effect on elevating serum ammonia levels. METHODS A total of 316 patients with a history of VPA prescribed for underlying neuropsychiatric disorders were found eligible for the study. Data including demographic information, medical history and diagnosis, VPA dosage, VPA treatment duration, VPA level, and ammonia serum level were extracted and reviewed from our hospital records. The history of other neuropsychiatric medications was also included. RESULTS Among 316 patients receiving VPA, HA was observed in 54 (17%) patients, and 15 patients were symptomatic among them. There was no significant difference in demographics between symptomatic and asymptomatic HA groups except for the number of co-administrated medications (p = 0.044). Besides, VPA duration and dose did not show a significant difference between the two groups. Additionally, the VPA level was significantly higher in patients who used risperidone in addition to VPA (p = 0.019). Eventually, VPA level showed a significant association with ammonia level (p = 0.025) and symptomatic HA (p = 0.033) after adjusting for possible confounders. CONCLUSION VPA level showed a significant association with ammonia level and symptomatic HA. Moreover, co-administrated medications such as risperidone might have an impact on the serum level of VPA. Further studies are recommended to confirm these findings.
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Chu J, Buysse T, Mitchell J. A curious case of confusion. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2023; 21:9-12. [PMID: 36937777 PMCID: PMC9875787 DOI: 10.1097/cld.0000000000000004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Chu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Tavia Buysse
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Justin Mitchell
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Etemad L, Roohbakhsh A, Abbaspour A, Alizadeh Ghamsari A, Amin F, Moshiri M. The effect of sodium benzoate, L-carnitine, and phenylacetate on valproate-induced hyperammonemia in Male Wistar rats. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 14:324-331. [PMID: 36741198 PMCID: PMC9890203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION L-carnitine (LC) is commonly used in the treatment of valproate-induced hyperammonemia (VIHA). LC prevents the production of ammonia with no significant effect on renal ammonia excretion. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of sodium benzoate (SB) and phenyl acetate (PA) on reducing VIHA. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eight groups treated with Sodium Valproate (SV) at 300 mg/kg and 15 minutes later with normal saline, SB (144 mg/kg), PA (0.3 g/kg), LC (2.5 g/kg), SB (144 mg/kg) plus PA (0.3 g/kg), or SB (144 mg/kg) plus PA (0.3 g/kg) plus LC (2.5 g/kg), intraperitoneally. Other groups were exposed to normal saline, SB, LC or PA alone. Animal's motor function and serum ammonia, lactate, and sodium levels were assessed at 0.5, 1, and 1.5 hours after the SV injection. RESULTS The results showed that LC reduced SV-induced hyperammonemia just at one and half-hour after treatment (P<0.001). PA, alone or in combination with other antidotes, reduced serum ammonia at all evaluated times (P<0.001). LC improved the impaired motor function of animals only at 1.5 hours, while PA, alone or in combination decreased the motor function scores at different times. However, SB administration alone did not change SV-induced hyperammonemia or motor function impairment. There was no significant difference in the level of serum aminotransferases, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine between groups. CONCLUSION These findings define that PA had a better therapeutic effect on valproate-induced hyperammonemia in comparison with SB. Co-administration of LC with PA ameliorated the elevated levels of ammonia and may relieve potential therapeutic application against acute SV intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Etemad
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Roohbakhsh
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhad, Iran,Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhad, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Abbaspour
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhad, Iran
| | - Anahita Alizadeh Ghamsari
- Medical Toxicology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Amin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical SciencesRafsanjan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Moshiri
- Medical Toxicology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhad, Iran,Department of Clinical Toxicology, Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhad, Iran
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15
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Balcerac A, Bihan K, Lebrun-Vignes B, Thabut D, Salem JE, Weiss N. Drug-associated hyperammonaemia: a Bayesian analysis of the WHO Pharmacovigilance Database. Ann Intensive Care 2022; 12:55. [PMID: 35716335 PMCID: PMC9206694 DOI: 10.1186/s13613-022-01026-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hyperammonaemia is frequent in Intensive Care Unit patients. Some drugs have been described as associated with this condition, but there are no large-scale studies investigating this topic and most descriptions only consist of case-reports. Methods We performed a disproportionality analysis using VigiBase, the World Health Organization Pharmacovigilance Database, using the information component (IC). The IC compares observed and expected values to find associations between drugs and hyperammonaemia using disproportionate Bayesian reporting. An IC0.25 (lower end of the IC 95% credibility interval) > 0 is considered statistically significant. The main demographic and clinical features, confounding factors, and severity of cases have been recorded. Results We identified 71 drugs with a disproportionate reporting in 2924 cases of hyperammonaemia. Most of the suspected drugs could be categorised into 4 main therapeutic classes: oncologic drugs, anti-epileptic drugs, immunosuppressants and psychiatric drugs. The drugs most frequently involved were valproic acid, fluorouracil, topiramate, oxaliplatin and asparaginase. In addition to these molecules known to be responsible for hyperammonaemia, our study reported 60 drugs not previously identified as responsible for hyperammonaemia. These include recently marketed molecules including anti-epileptics such as cannabidiol, immunosuppressants such as basiliximab, and anti-angiogenics agents such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (sunitinib, sorafenib, regorafenib, lenvatinib) and monoclonal antibodies (bevacizumab, ramucirumab). The severity of cases varies depending on the drug class involved and high mortality rates are present when hyperammonaemia occurs in patients receiving immunosuppressant and oncologic drugs. Conclusions This study constitutes the first large-scale study on drug-associated hyperammonaemia. This description may prove useful for clinicians in patients’ care as well as for trial design. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13613-022-01026-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Balcerac
- Département de neurologie, Unité de Médecine Intensive Réanimation À Orientation Neurologique, Sorbonne Université, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Hôpital de La Pitié-Salpêtrière, 47-83, boulevard de l'hôpital, 75013, Paris, France.,Brain Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière (BLIPS) Study Group, INSERM UMR_S 938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Maladies métaboliques, biliaires et fibro-inflammatoire du foie, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Paris, France.,Groupe de Recherche Clinique en REanimation Et Soins Intensifs du Patient en Insuffisance Respiratoire aiguE (GRC-RESPIRE), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Kevin Bihan
- Department of Pharmacology, Regional Pharmacovigilance Center, Sorbonne Université, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Bénédicte Lebrun-Vignes
- Department of Pharmacology, Regional Pharmacovigilance Center, Sorbonne Université, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Thabut
- Brain Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière (BLIPS) Study Group, INSERM UMR_S 938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Maladies métaboliques, biliaires et fibro-inflammatoire du foie, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Hôpital de La Pitié-Salpêtrière, service d'hépatogastroentérologie, Unité de Soins Intensifs d'hépatologie, Paris, France
| | - Joe-Elie Salem
- Department of Pharmacology, Regional Pharmacovigilance Center, Sorbonne Université, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Weiss
- Département de neurologie, Unité de Médecine Intensive Réanimation À Orientation Neurologique, Sorbonne Université, AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Hôpital de La Pitié-Salpêtrière, 47-83, boulevard de l'hôpital, 75013, Paris, France. .,Brain Liver Pitié-Salpêtrière (BLIPS) Study Group, INSERM UMR_S 938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Maladies métaboliques, biliaires et fibro-inflammatoire du foie, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Paris, France. .,Groupe de Recherche Clinique en REanimation Et Soins Intensifs du Patient en Insuffisance Respiratoire aiguE (GRC-RESPIRE), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.
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16
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Hyperammonaemic Encephalopathy Caused by Adult-Onset Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12020231. [PMID: 35203994 PMCID: PMC8870301 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12020231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperammonaemic encephalopathy in adults is a rare condition in the absence of liver disease and is associated with a high mortality and risk of permanent neurological deficits. Seldomly, the condition is caused by an inborn error of metabolism in the urea cycle, triggered by an exogenic factor such as gastrointestinal haemorrhage, gastric bypass surgery, starvation, seizures, vigorous exercise, burn injuries, or drugs hampering the elimination of ammonia. Here, we present a fatal case of an unrecognized genetic ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD) presenting with a subacute progressive encephalopathy. We review the current literature and discuss the differential diagnosis and treatment options. As swift diagnosis and initiation of treatment is vital, awareness of hyperammonaemic encephalopathy and its possible causes can help improve the prognosis of this condition.
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17
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Szczygieł-Pilut EE, Zajączkowska-Dutkiewicz A, Pilut D, Dutkiewicz J. HYPERAMMONAEMIA AND COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN EPILEPSY PATIENTS TREATED WITH VALPROIC ACID - PRELIMINARY STUDY. WIADOMOSCI LEKARSKIE (WARSAW, POLAND : 1960) 2022; 75:1459-1465. [PMID: 35907216 DOI: 10.36740/wlek202206106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim: To determine whether VPA pharmacotherapy, mainly in the group of patients using subtherapeutic doses of VPA, could contribute to the occurrence of cognitive impairment. PATIENTS AND METHODS Materials and methods: The study involved 14 patients: six women and eight men, aged 24 - 77 years (mean SD ± - 52.36±13.71) diagnosed with epilepsy in accordance with the ILAE criteria (International League Against Epilepsy), in whom the main clinical complaint, in addition to poor control of epileptic seizures, were impaired concentration, attention and memory impairment. RESULTS Results: Mild cognitive impairment - MCI was diagnosed in 4 patients (28.57%) (3 with elevated ammonia levels, 1 without), in 1 patient (7.14%) there was a mild level of dementia. In only one MCI case, elevated serum concentrations of valproic acid were also recorded. It is very important to highlight that cognitive impairment has never been diagnosed before (prior to VPA therapy) in this group. Of these 5 patients, in four cases, after discontinuation of the drug, an improvement in the clinical condition was achieved. In a patient with mild level dementia, the termination of therapy did not give a similar effect. This proves the possibility of other mechanisms responsible for generating these sometimes irreversible disorders. CONCLUSION Conclusions: Regardless of the dose and concentration of ammonia in blood serum of patients diagnosed with epilepsy, VPA therapy may cause various, significant dysfunctions that significantly impair quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Ewa Szczygieł-Pilut
- DEPARTMENT OF NEUROLOGY WITH STROKE AND NEUROLOGICAL REHABILITATION SUB-UNIT, JOHN PAUL II SPECIALIST HOSPITAL, CRACOW, POLAND
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18
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Iqbal K, Kummamuru H, Dasari N, Koritala T, Jain NK, Deepika K, Adhikari R. A Case of Valproic-Acid Induced Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy. Cureus 2021; 13:e20380. [PMID: 35036212 PMCID: PMC8753585 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA), an antiepileptic medication, is known to cause hyperammonemia, which may be asymptomatic or can present with encephalopathy. VPA-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy (VHE) is a serious but reversible condition, which requires high clinical suspicion for diagnosis. It may occur acutely or after chronic use of VPA. We present the case of a 44-year-old male who was on long-term VPA therapy for a seizure disorder. He presented to the emergency department with the complaint of two episodes of seizures two days before admission. On arrival, the patient was confused and tearful and was unable to recollect the events leading to the seizure. The initial complete metabolic panel, liver function tests, urinalysis, and serum VPA levels were observed to be normal. However, there was a marked elevation in ammonia levels. VPA was suspected to be the inciting agent of hyperammonemic encephalopathy, and, therefore, it was discontinued. The patient was started on oral lactulose and prescribed a different anti-seizure medication (i.e., lamotrigine). His ammonia levels decreased gradually, and his condition improved. Thus, it was concluded that the patient had developed VHE. At the time of discharge, he was stable and had no confusion or seizures. This case report evaluates his presentation and discusses the possible pathogenesis of VHE.
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19
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Nicholson C, Fowler M, Mullen C, Cunningham B. Evaluation of levocarnitine, lactulose, and combination therapy for the treatment of valproic acid-induced hyperammonemia in critically ill patients. Epilepsy Res 2021; 178:106806. [PMID: 34763268 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2021.106806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Critically ill patients treated with valproic acid are at risk for hyperammonemic encephalopathy. Both levocarnitine and lactulose, either alone or in combination, have been used for the treatment of hyperammonemia associated with valproic acid, however they have not been directly compared in the literature. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of levocarnitine, lactulose, and combination therapy for the treatment of valproic acid-induced hyperammonemia in critically ill patients. METHODS This was a retrospective, system-wide, cohort study of critically ill patients who received valproic acid and levocarnitine, lactulose, or combination therapy from January 1, 2012 to October 31, 2019. The primary outcome of the study was the change in ammonia level from baseline to the lowest point within the first 48 h of treatment. Secondary outcomes included the change in ammonia levels within the first 7 days, the incidence of a clinically significant reduction, ICU length of stay, hospital length of stay, and hospital mortality. RESULTS A total of 371 charts were reviewed and 114 patients (levocarnitine [n = 15], lactulose [n = 72], and combination [n = 27]) were included. No difference in the primary outcome was observed (levocarnitine [11umol/L] vs. lactulose [20 umol/L] vs. combination [23 umol/L], p = 0.605). The incidence of a clinically significant reduction in ammonia levels at 48 h did not differ between groups, nor did mortality. CONCLUSION In critically ill patients with valproic acid-induced hyperammonemia, there was no significant difference in the reduction in ammonia levels in the first 48 h of treatment between levocarnitine, lactulose, and combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carli Nicholson
- Cleveland Clinic Akron General, 1 Akron General Avenue, Akron, OH 44307, United States; Licking Memorial Health System, 1320 West Main Street, Newark, OH 43055, United States.
| | - Melissa Fowler
- Cleveland Clinic Akron General, 1 Akron General Avenue, Akron, OH 44307, United States.
| | - Chanda Mullen
- Cleveland Clinic Akron General, 1 Akron General Avenue, Akron, OH 44307, United States.
| | - Brittany Cunningham
- Cleveland Clinic Akron General, 1 Akron General Avenue, Akron, OH 44307, United States.
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20
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Han W, Guan W. Valproic Acid: A Promising Therapeutic Agent in Glioma Treatment. Front Oncol 2021; 11:687362. [PMID: 34568018 PMCID: PMC8461314 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.687362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma, characterized by infiltrative growth and treatment resistance, is regarded as the most prevalent intracranial malignant tumor. Due to its poor prognosis, accumulating investigation has been performed for improvement of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in glioma patients. Valproic acid (VPA), one of the most common histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs), has been detected to directly or synergistically exert inhibitory effects on glioma in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we generalize the latest advances of VPA in treating glioma and its underlying mechanisms and clinical implications, providing a clearer profile for clinical application of VPA as a therapeutic agent for glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Guan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
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21
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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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22
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Cutler NS, Sadowski BW, MacGregor DA. Use of Lactulose to Treat Hyperammonemia in ICU Patients Without Chronic Liver Disease or Significant Hepatocellular Injury. J Intensive Care Med 2021; 37:698-706. [PMID: 34098777 DOI: 10.1177/08850666211023004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To review ICU patients with elevated ammonia without a clear hepatic etiology, to compare outcomes between those who received lactulose and those who did not. DESIGN Retrospective observational study. SETTING Medical, surgical, and subspecialty intensive care units at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina between December 2012 and August 2016. PATIENTS Adults with ammonia levels above 50 μmol/L, excluding those with known chronic liver disease, inborn error of metabolism, active use of valproic acid, total bilirubin ≥ 2 μmol/L, or alanine aminotransferase ≥ 100 units/L. INTERVENTIONS Comparison in ICU length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, in-hospital mortality, and mortality at 30 and 90 days. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Criteria for inclusion were met in 103 cases. Mean ammonia level was 75 μmol/L, with undetermined etiology in the majority of subjects. Lactulose was given in 48 cases (46.6%), with a median of 9.5 doses given. There were no significant differences in outcomes between the lactulose and non-lactulose groups. Among subjects with multiple data points, lactulose did not have a dose-dependent effect on ammonia level, and was not associated with faster ammonia normalization compared to non-lactulose. When analyzed separately, patients with moderate hyperammonemia (60-99 μmol/L) who received lactulose had longer hospital and ICU length of stay compared to non-lactulose (417.8 hours vs. 208.4 hours, P = 0.003, and 229.2 hours vs. 104.7 hours, P = 0.025; respectively), though confounders were present. CONCLUSIONS Routine use of lactulose to treat mild to moderate hyperammonemia in this patient population was not associated with improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan S Cutler
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, VA, USA
| | - Brett W Sadowski
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, VA, USA
| | - Drew A MacGregor
- Department of Anesthesia, Section on Critical Care Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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23
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Kazmierski D, Sharma N, O'Leary K, Ochieng P. Valproate-induced fatal acute hyperammonaemia-related encephalopathy in late-onset ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency. BMJ Case Rep 2021; 14:14/5/e241429. [PMID: 34035022 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-241429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency is a genetic disorder of the urea cycle characterised by deficiency in the enzyme OTC, resulting in an accumulation of ammonia. Valproic acid (VPA), a commonly used medication in the treatment of neurologic and psychiatric conditions, has been known to cause episodes of acute hyperammonaemia in patients with OTC deficiency. We present the case of a 29-year-old man with a long history of non-specific psychiatric disorders, who suffered from a hyperammonaemic crisis following the administration of VPA, leading to the diagnosis of OTC deficiency. The patient's hospital course was complicated by progressive cerebral oedema, which resulted in worsening encephalopathy, seizures and death. We discuss the pathophysiology of hyperammonaemia in OTC deficiency, and various management strategies, including lactulose, levocarnitine, scavenger therapy and haemodialysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kazmierski
- Internal Medicine, Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nishant Sharma
- Internal Medicine, Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kelly O'Leary
- Internal Medicine, Regional Hospital of Scranton, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Pius Ochieng
- Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Geisinger Community Medical Center, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA
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24
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperammonemia is a common side effect of valproic acid (VPA) and can occur after generalized seizures, but the clinical significance is unclear. The aim of this study was to better understand the clinical practice and utility of ammonia testing in status epilepticus (SE) treated with or without VPA. METHODS Charts of adult patients with SE from St. Mary's Hospital Intensive Care Units (ICUs) (Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN) from 2011 to 2016 were reviewed. Clinical factors were compared between patients who had ammonia checked versus those who did not, and those with normal ammonia versus hyperammonemia (>50 µg/dL). Charts were reviewed to determine if hyperammonemia changed clinical management and if it was felt to be symptomatic. RESULTS There were 304 patients identified: 94 received VPA, 142 had ammonia checked and receiving VPA was associated with ammonia testing (P<0.001). Hyperammonemia was identified in 32 and associated with younger age, being in a non-neurological intensive care unit, and liver disease, but was not statistically associated with VPA. Only one patient had valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy; however, many patients received treatment for hyperammonemia such as lactulose, levocarnitine, or VPA dose reductions. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated variability in ammonia testing and management changes in SE but does not support the routine monitoring of ammonia levels and showed that hyperammonemic encephalopathy was rare in this clinical setting.
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Killingsworth J, Sawmiller D, Shytle RD. Propionate and Alzheimer's Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 12:580001. [PMID: 33505301 PMCID: PMC7831739 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.580001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Propionate, a short-chain fatty acid, serves important roles in the human body. However, our review of the current literature suggests that under certain conditions, excess levels of propionate may play a role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The cause of the excessive levels of propionate may be related to the Bacteroidetes phylum, which are the primary producers of propionate in the human gut. Studies have shown that the relative abundance of the Bacteroidetes phylum is significantly increased in older adults. Other studies have shown that levels of the Bacteroidetes phylum are increased in persons with AD. Studies on the diet, medication use, and propionate metabolism offer additional potential causes. There are many different mechanisms by which excess levels of propionate may lead to AD, such as hyperammonemia. These mechanisms offer potential points for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Killingsworth
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
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26
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Incidence, Presentation, and Risk Factors for Sodium Valproate–Associated Hyperammonemia in Neurosurgical Patients: A Prospective, Observational Study. World Neurosurg 2020; 144:e597-e604. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Badawy AA, Elghaba R, Soliman M, Hussein AM, AlSadrah SA, Awadalla A, Abulseoud OA. Chronic Valproic Acid Administration Increases Plasma, Liver, and Brain Ammonia Concentration and Suppresses Glutamine Synthetase Activity. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10100759. [PMID: 33096612 PMCID: PMC7589689 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10100759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Asymptomatic valproic acid (VPA)-induced hyperammonemia in the absence of liver impairment is fairly common. However, the underlying mechanisms through which VPA causes elevation in plasma ammonia (NH4) remains under investigation. Male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 72) were randomly allocated to receive VPA 400 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, or vehicle IP daily for either 8, 14, or 28 consecutive days. The behavioral effects of VPA were assessed. Plasma, liver, and prefrontal cortex (PFC), striatum (Str), and cerebellum (Cere) were collected 1 h post last injection and assayed for NH4 concentration and glutamine synthetase (GS) enzyme activity. Chronic VPA treatment caused attenuation of measured behavioral reflexes (p < 0.0001) and increase in plasma NH4 concentration (p < 0.0001). The liver and brain also showed significant increase in tissue NH4 concentrations (p < 0.0001 each) associated with significant reduction in GS activity (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0003, respectively). Higher tissue NH4 concentrations correlated with reduced GS activity in the liver (r = −0.447, p = 0.0007) but not in the brain (r = −0.058, p = 0.4). Within the brain, even though NH4 concentrations increased in the PFC (p = 0.001), Str (p < 0.0001), and Cere (p = 0.01), GS activity was reduced only in the PFC (p < 0.001) and not in Str (p = 0.2) or Cere (p = 0.1). These results suggest that VPA-induced elevation in plasma NH4 concentration could be related, at least in part, to the suppression of GS activity in liver and brain tissues. However, even though GS is the primary mechanism in brain NH4 clearance, the suppression of brain GS does not seem to be the main factor in explaining the elevation in brain NH4 concentration. Further research is urgently needed to investigate brain NH4 dynamics under chronic VPA treatment and whether VPA clinical efficacy in treating seizure disorders and bipolar mania is impacted by its effect on GS activity or other NH4 metabolizing enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelnaser A. Badawy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar 73213, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Rasha Elghaba
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
| | - Mohamed Soliman
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar 73213, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abdelaziz M. Hussein
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
- Correspondence: (A.M.H.); (O.A.A.)
| | - Sana A. AlSadrah
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Governmental Hospital Khobar, Health Centers in Khobar, Ministry of Health, Khobar 34446, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Amira Awadalla
- Center of Excellence and Cancer Genome, Mansoura Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
| | - Osama A. Abulseoud
- Neuroimaging Research Branch, IRP, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Biomedical Research Center, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
- Correspondence: (A.M.H.); (O.A.A.)
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Habhab SF, Ulvin LB, Taubøll E, Svalheim S, Olsen KB, Horn MA, Heuser K. Influence of valproate-induced hyperammonemia on treatment decision in an adult status epilepticus cohort. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 111:107193. [PMID: 32759060 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurological emergency in which immediate intervention is required to prevent permanent brain damage and death. Intravenous (IV) valproic acid (VPA) is often used for the treatment of SE. However, IV VPA frequently increases the blood ammonia level. In this study, we explore the impact of IV VPA-induced hyperammonemia (HA) on treatment management of SE and discuss the challenges related to this particular condition. METHODS We used data from medical records of 31 adult patients (≥18 years) treated with IV VPA for SE at Oslo University Hospital between January 2006 and October 2019. Clinical and blood sample data and information about the influence of HA on treatment were collected. Correlations between ammonia levels and other continuous or categorical variables were tested using the Pearson's correlation coefficient. The Kruskal-Wallis H-test was used to analyze associations between different variables and treatment decisions. RESULTS Thirty of 31 patients had increased ammonia level during IV VPA treatment. In 16/30 patients, VPA was discontinued, and in 6/30 patients, the dose was reduced. We found a difference in the median peak ammonia level among the groups where VPA was discontinued (99 μmol/l), reduced (71 μmol/l), and continued (55.5 μmol/l) (P = 0.008). Also clinical status, measured by West Haven Criteria, varied among the groups where VPA was discontinued (3.5), reduced (2.5), and continued (2.0) (P = 0.01). Treatment decisions at peak ammonia were not associated with the level of liver enzymes and bilirubin. CONCLUSION Hyperammonemia had a substantial impact on further management. To date, no recommendations exist on how to manage VPA-induced HA in SE. We call for systematic prospective studies and evidence-based guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Folkestad Habhab
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Erik Taubøll
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sigrid Svalheim
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ketil Berg Olsen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Kjell Heuser
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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Quinn NJ, Hohlfelder B, Wanek MR, Duggal A, Torbic H. Prescribing Practices of Valproic Acid for Agitation and Delirium in the Intensive Care Unit. Ann Pharmacother 2020; 55:311-317. [PMID: 32748626 DOI: 10.1177/1060028020947173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Analgesics, sedatives, and antipsychotics are commonly prescribed for agitation and delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU), but their use is limited by adverse effects and lack of efficacy. Valproic acid is an alternative treatment option. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this study was to describe valproic acid prescribing in our institution's ICUs when used for agitation or delirium. Measures of effectiveness and safety were also assessed. METHODS This was a single-center, retrospective, institutional review board-approved cohort study of adult inpatients admitted to the ICU between January 2018 and August 2018. Patients who received valproic acid for the treatment of agitation or delirium for ≥24 hours were included. Prescribing practices were evaluated for dose, frequency, and route of administration. Effectiveness was assessed via agitation and delirium assessment tools and quantity of adjunctive agents used. RESULTS A total of 80 patients were included, with 35 receiving valproic acid alone and 45 in conjunction with antipsychotics. The most common valproic acid regimen was 250 mg orally 3 times daily. Delirium resolution occurred in 55% of patients: 24 in the valproic acid monotherapy group and 20 in the valproic acid plus antipsychotic group (69% vs 44%; P = 0.03). The incidence of delirium decreased from valproic acid day 0 to day 3 (93% vs 68%; P < 0.01), with no change in agitation (64% vs 63%; P = 0.28). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE Valproic acid is frequently prescribed in agitated, delirious patients at our institution and may have a role in the management of ICU delirium.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthew R Wanek
- HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
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Mithani F, Cullum S, Chacko R. Valproic acid rechallenge after valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy. Proc (Bayl Univ Med Cent) 2020; 33:471-472. [PMID: 32675993 DOI: 10.1080/08998280.2020.1767460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A 24-year-old man with a past medical history of behavioral disturbances and spastic tetraplegia secondary to traumatic brain injury presented to the psychiatry consult service with acute exacerbation of agitation and aggression. The patient's behavioral disturbances were previously reduced with 1500 mg daily of valproic acid (VPA). Prior to admission, VPA was discontinued due to elevated serum ammonia levels of 96 μmol/L and clinical findings consistent with valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy (VIHE), such as lethargy, confusion, frank delirium, and ataxia. Current guidelines for treating VIHE suggest either a complete discontinuation of the drug or a drug rechallenge with the addition of levocarnitine or carglumic acid supplementation. In this case, VPA was rechallenged without supplementation to decrease the risk of noncompliance. The patient received a lower dose of VPA with subsequent up-titration. His ammonia level decreased to an acceptable level. This case report discusses the challenges of managing VIHE in patients requiring VPA and discusses opportunities for further research in preventing VIHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhan Mithani
- College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science CenterBryanTexas.,Department of Psychiatry, Houston Methodist HospitalHoustonTexas
| | - Stav Cullum
- College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science CenterBryanTexas.,Department of Psychiatry, Houston Methodist HospitalHoustonTexas
| | - Ranjit Chacko
- Department of Psychiatry, Houston Methodist HospitalHoustonTexas
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Valproic Acid-Induced Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy in a Patient with Bipolar Disorder: A Case Report. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10030187. [PMID: 32213827 PMCID: PMC7139302 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10030187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) is widely used to control various seizure disorders and psychiatric disorders. Valproic acid-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy (VHE) is a rare but dangerous complication of VPA-induced toxicity. For this case report, several risk factors were identified, including young age, polytherapy regimens, VPA overdose, poor liver function, and carnitine deficiency. The detailed mechanisms of VHE remained unclear. Hyperammonemia may be caused by hypocarnitinemia, leading to imbalanced VPA metabolism. VHE may initially cause gastrointestinal symptoms, followed by a decreased level of consciousness and seizure. Early diagnosis of VHE is important for physicians for the timely reversal of VHE by discontinuing administration of VPA and administering lactulose or levocarnitine. Here, we describe a patient with a bipolar disorder who presented with VHE after receiving a strict vegetarian diet in our hospital. We recommend that VHE be included in the differential diagnosis of patients with high serum VPA levels and strictly vegetarian diets, especially those presenting with acute gastrointestinal symptoms.
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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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Duman B, Can KC, Ağtaş-Ertan E, Erdoğan S, İlhan RS, Doğan Ö, Kumbasar H, Çamsarı UM. Risk factors for valproic acid induced hyperammonemia and its association with cognitive functions. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2019; 59:67-72. [PMID: 31276904 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Valproic acid (VPA)-induced hyperammonemia (VIH), is an increase in blood ammonia levels without any alteration of hepatic enzymes, which can occur during VPA treatment. We aimed to determine the prevalence rate and the risk factors for VIH and its association with cognitive functions. METHOD A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients aged between 18 and 64 who were on VPA treatment and who diagnosed with mood disorders or epilepsy were enrolled in this study (n = 107). For cognitive assessment, Serial 7's and Subjective Memory Complaints Questionnaire (SMCQ) were used. Blood samples were collected for blood VPA and ammonia levels along with other laboratory tests. RESULTS 55,3% of the sample were considered as VIH. Blood ammonia level significantly correlates with VPA blood levels, total daily dose of VPA and total number of medications concurrently used, but no significant correlation was found between blood ammonia level and cognitive test scores. Gender, body weight, blood VPA levels and the total number of medications concurrently used significantly predicted blood ammonia levels (F(4,81) = 2670, p = 0,038, R2 = 0,116). CONCLUSION VIH is relatively high in our sample. There is a dose-dependent association between VPA and blood ammonia level. No association was found between cognitive functions and hyperammonemia however with some limitations. Future, prospective cohort studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berker Duman
- Division of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Kazım Cihan Can
- Department of Psychiatry, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ece Ağtaş-Ertan
- Department of Psychiatry, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Seyda Erdoğan
- Department of Neurology, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Rıfat Serav İlhan
- Department of Psychiatry, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Özlem Doğan
- Department of Biochemistry, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Hakan Kumbasar
- Division of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ulaş Mehmet Çamsarı
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic School of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN, USA
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