Valproate-related peripheral oedema: A manageable but probably neglected condition

Abstract

Valproate-related peripheral oedema is usually regarded as a problem occurring after long-term administration of valproate. The scarcity of reports is partially responsible for the lack of a full understanding of this condition. This report describes two patients acquiring peripheral oedema after short-term use of add-on therapy with valproate. The oedema could appear and reappear quickly. Discontinuing valproate resulted in rapid improvement of this condition, and the causeeffect relationship was supported by double challenge. We also put forward a preliminary hypothesis to explain this treatable situation. Copyright © 2009 CINP.