Thrombocytopenia in epileptic patients on valproic acid

Aim: to see the frequency of thrombocytopenia in epileptic patients,receiving valproic acid methods: this descriptive study was conducted at wapda teaching hospital complex,lahore. all the epileptic patients on valproic acid were included in the study,excluding patients already having thrombocytopenia or some disease or treatment with the potential of causing thrombocytopenia. platelet count below 150×109/l was taken as thrombocytopenia. hospital information system was used to note the demographic information and relevant data on the disease,laboratory investigations and treatment of the patients. results: out of total 122 patients 63(51.64%) were male and 59(48.36%) were female. mean age was 49.79±19.97 years (range 10-79 years). out of 122 patients,23(18.85%) developed thrombocytopenia. four thrombocytopenic patients were below 20 years,5 were between 21 and 60 years and 14 were above 60 years of age. average dose of valproic acid in patients with thrombocytopenia was 1315±478 mg/day as compared to 868±415mg/day in patients without thrombocytopenia. conclusion: thrombocytopenia is a common adverse effect of valproic acid. its chances are increased in old age and increased dosage.