J Korean Epilepsy Soc.
2003 Jun;7(1):33-36.
Metabolism of Valproate in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Neurology, Yongdong Severance Hospital, Yonsei University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. kzoo@yumc.yonsei.ac.kr
Abstract
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PURPOSE: Traumatic brain injuries induce plasma clearance of several compounds. Phenytoin is usually used for the prevention of posttraumatic seizure, and it is known that its clearance is increased in traumatic brain injury patients. Valproate is another important antiepileptic drug for the prevention of posttraumatic seizure. We evaluated the metabolism of valproate in acute traumatic brain injury patients.
METHODS
Fourteen traumatic brain injury patients were selected. They were given a loading dosage (15-20 mg/kg), and maintained with valproate. Trough serum valproate level was obtained during 7-20 days after an acute injury.
RESULTS
The total clearance level of valproate was higher in acute traumatic brain injury patients than patients with chronic valproate use (7.70+/-1.36 ml/kg/hr vs. 9.05+/-1.91 ml/kg/hr, p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Acute traumatic brain injury results in the induction of valproate metabolism during 7-20 acute days, and it is related to the enhancement of multiple metabolic pathways.
