[MS8-3D-2] Relationship between thrombocytopenia and immature platelet fraction in valproic acid administration
[Objective] Thrombocytopenia has been known to be an adverse effect of valproic acid (VPA). The possible explanations include a suppression of thrombocytopoiesis or immune-mediated peripheral platelet destruction. In this study, we examined whether or not a decrease in platelets counts is observed in chidren taking VPA and investigated thrombopoietic activity using immature platelet fraction (IPF).
[Methods] We recruited children with epilepsy taking antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) who visited our hospital between April 2014 and September 2015. IPF was routinely analyzed among children using flow cytometry in our hospital. The platelet counts and IPF were compared between children taking VPA and those taking other AEDs. A Mann-Whitney U test was used for a comparison between two groups and p <0.05 was considered significant. We also analyzed correlation between serum VPA levels, and platelet counts and IPF.
[Results] There were 92 children, 24 taking VPA and 68 taking other AEDs. The median platelet count was 230,000 /μL (range, 127,000-458,000 /μL) in children taking VPA, and 273,000/μL (150,000-713,000 /μL) in children with other AEDs, and statistical analysis showed a significant difference (p = 0.0052). Regarding IPF, there was no significant difference between the two groups. There was no significant correlation between serum VPA levels, and platelet counts and IPF.
[Conclusion] Our study showed that platelet counts were lower in children taking VPA, whereas IPF was not decreased. This suggests that a decrease in platelet counts in children taking VPA was not attributable to decreased thrombocytopoiesis.
[Methods] We recruited children with epilepsy taking antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) who visited our hospital between April 2014 and September 2015. IPF was routinely analyzed among children using flow cytometry in our hospital. The platelet counts and IPF were compared between children taking VPA and those taking other AEDs. A Mann-Whitney U test was used for a comparison between two groups and p <0.05 was considered significant. We also analyzed correlation between serum VPA levels, and platelet counts and IPF.
[Results] There were 92 children, 24 taking VPA and 68 taking other AEDs. The median platelet count was 230,000 /μL (range, 127,000-458,000 /μL) in children taking VPA, and 273,000/μL (150,000-713,000 /μL) in children with other AEDs, and statistical analysis showed a significant difference (p = 0.0052). Regarding IPF, there was no significant difference between the two groups. There was no significant correlation between serum VPA levels, and platelet counts and IPF.
[Conclusion] Our study showed that platelet counts were lower in children taking VPA, whereas IPF was not decreased. This suggests that a decrease in platelet counts in children taking VPA was not attributable to decreased thrombocytopoiesis.