Open AccessSodium Valproate Induced Alopecia: A Case Series
Author(s) -
Sereen Rose Thomson,
Mamulpet,
Shalini Adiga
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of clinical and diagnostic research
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2249-782X
pISSN - 0973-709X
DOI - 10.7860/jcdr/2017/28564.10658
Subject(s) - discontinuation , dermatology , medicine , hair loss , anticonvulsant , alopecia areata , valproic acid , side effect (computer science) , epilepsy , psychiatry , computer science , programming language
Drug induced alopecia may range from a barely detectable shedding to an irreversible baldness. Alopecia associated with valproate is a dose-dependent and reversible side effect. We hereby report, three cases of alopecia that occurred in patients who received sodium valproate for various neurological conditions. In all three cases, long term exposure of valproate therapy led to the development of alopecia which eventually resolved after dose reduction or discontinuation. The Naranjo's causality assessment scale indicated valproate as the probable cause of the alopecia in all our patients.