Hepatic functions in epileptics on sodium valproate monotherapy.

Sodium valproate (VPA) has been advocated as an antiepileptic of first choice in patients of primary generalised seizures (1) because of low risks of serious side effects and negligible neuropsychiatric manifestations. However, it has been clinically and experimentally observed to induce hepatic dysfunction including hepatic failure resulting in fatalities making periodic screening for liver function tests necessary (2). This study was conducted to observe the effect of VPA on hepatic function in epileptics and correlate the changes with dose and serum levels of VPA.