Can Valproate Cause Liver Disease?

Posted on Wed, 18 Nov 2015

Question: Im female57 with urinary urobilinogen and negative bilirubin,father died of hepatocellular primary liver ca at 61.neice has hemochromatosis.I have abdo pain.
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I had haemochromatosis gene test yesterday and doing biochem and full blood count in am.Do you think I should cease the Valproate.I have pruritis.Did have major internal bleed at 30 and resusced with 6 units blood transfused.

Answered by Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need Ultrasound and LFT to decide on valparin

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.

I can surely understand your concerns.

I have gone through your query in detail.

The possibility of you acquiring both HCC and hemochromatosis is extremely low.

But nonetheless screening for both has to be offered.

The risk of valproate causing serious liver disease is also very low.

The decision to stop Valproate should be based only after thorough evaluation for pruritis.

For this, I advise you to get liver ultrasound and liver function tests.

Only a documented liver dysfunction warrants valproate withdrawal.

Update me with your latest test reports.

Post your further queries if any.
Thank you

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T