Posted by kaleidoscope on November 11, 2007, at 13:02:51
In reply to Bummed! Depakote caused liver enzymes to rise!, posted by AnneL on November 10, 2007, at 12:25:26
Hi
Depakote causes raised liver enzymes very frequently, a problem which is normally transient and does not generally represent a serious problem. Of course, Depakote can cause severe liver damage - it's certainly not common though. With Depakote, a prolonged prothrombic time (a blood test) represents liver injury, whereas raised liver enzymes don't really mean that much. Most patients with raised liver enzymes on Depakote are asymptomatic.
Here are the guidelines from the UK.....
Liver toxicity
Liver dysfunction (including fatal hepatic failure) has occurred in association with valproate (especially in children under 3 years and in those with metabolic or degenerative disorders, organic brain disease or severe seizure disorders associated with mental retardation) usually in first 6 months and usually involving multiple antiepileptic therapy. Raised liver enzymes during valproate treatment are usually transient but patients should be reassessed clinically and liver function (including prothrombin time) monitored until return to normal—discontinue if abnormally prolonged prothrombin time (particularly in association with other relevant abnormalities).
poster:kaleidoscope
thread:794279
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20071104/msgs/794398.html