Hemodialysis versus continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration in the management of severe valproate overdose.

Valproate intoxication is a relatively common clinical problem that can result in coma, respiratory depression, pancytopenia, hemodynamic instability and death [Fernandez et al. 1996, Franssen et al. 1999]. The drug's relatively low molecular weight, small volume of distribution and saturable protein-binding render it potentially amenable to extracorporeal removal (hemofiltration, hemodialysis or hemoperfusion), but published experience is scarce. This report describes a woman with a potentially fatal sodium valproate overdose, who did not respond to continuous veno-venous hemodiafiltration, but was successfully treated with low-flux hemodialysis. Based on our experience, we recommend hemodialysis for serious valproate intoxication.