Renal injury from valproic acid: case report and literature review

Abstract

A child with developmental delay and epilepsy developed glucosuria approximately 16 months after starting valproic acid therapy. Laboratory evaluation revealed global defects in proximal tubule function consistent with the De Toni-Debré-Fanconi syndrome. Discontinuation of valproate led to complete recovery 5 months later. Review of previously reported cases indicates that this complication is unique to children and reversible when the medication is discontinued.