| ABSTRACT Objective: Retrospective analyzed the clinical and laboratory examination features of valproate encephalopathy in senile patients, to improve the comprehending and diagnostic level on valproate encephalopathy.Methods:Compared the clinical and laboratory characteristics of 4 patients of valproate encephalopathy after treating with valproic acid from neurology department of our hospital from January 2010 to December 2014.Results:The average age of 4 patients (3 men and 1 woman ) was (70.3±9.8) years, who were treated by valproic acid alone. The all cases showed consciousness disorder and cognitive impairment. Both liver function and valproate plasma concentration were within the normal range, but the plasma ammonia concentration was increasing. Furthermore, EEG indicated slow-waves increased widely, especially θ and δ waves. The 4 cases experienced a clinically significant improvement in symptoms in 2 weeks after stopping use of valproic acid , whose plasma ammonia concentration came down. Conclusion:The prominent clinical manifestations of valproate encephalopathy were consciousness disorder and cognitive decline. So we should pay high attention to the clinical application of valproic acid. Fortunately, those related symptoms would get alleviated gradually after cessation of valproate timely, and the prognosis of it was favorable. |
