Valproic Acid and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Possible Association?

Overview

Journal World J Hepatol

Publisher Baishideng Publishing Group

Specialty Gastroenterology

Date 2015 May 29

PMID 26019740

Citations 18

Authors

Edoardo Farinelli

David Giampaoli

Anja Cenciarini

Ephraim Cercado

Alberto Verrotti

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Valproic acid (VPA) is one of the most prescribed drugs in children with newly diagnosed epilepsy. Weight gain and obesity have been observed as side effects of VPA. These are often linked with other metabolic disturbances such as development of insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD refers to a group of liver disorders with marked hepatic steatosis. It is associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases and overall reduced life expectancy. NAFLD occurs in 20%-25% of the general population and it is known to be the most common cause of chronic liver disease. NAFLD therefore represents a major public health issue worldwide. This study reviews and summarizes relevant literature that supports the existence of an association between VPA therapy and the development of NAFLD in children. Long-term VPA-therapy appears to be associated with an increased risk of developing NAFLD. Further studies are needed to clarify the pathogenic mechanisms that lie behind this association and to standardize the options for the use of this drug in overweight patients and in those with risks for developing MetS and NAFLD.

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