Yasuhiko Kawakami1,2, Shuichi Fujii2, Gen Ishikawa3, Atsuko Sekiguchi4, Akihito Nakai4, Masato Takase2. 1. Department of Pediatrics, Nippon Medical School Musashi Kosugi Hospital. 2. Department of Pediatrics, Nippon Medical School Tama Nagayama Hospital. 3. Department of Gynecology, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital. 4. Department of Gynecology, Nippon Medical School Tama Nagayama Hospital.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common ovulatory disorder that can be induced by sodium valproate (VPA). PATIENT: We report a case of PCOS that developed in a 15-year-old girl with idiopathic epilepsy after she took VPA. VPA administration stopped her seizures, but it also led to weight gain and amenorrhea, and the patient was diagnosed with PCOS on the basis of diagnostic imaging and serological examination results. Cessation of VPA administration led to reduced weight gain and restored menstruation. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of PCOS developing in patients with epilepsy is known to be high, and the association of VPA with PCOS is well established, so if physicians feel this is the best drug to prescribe for female patients with epilepsy, they should carefully monitor the patients' weight and menstruation, and immediately perform ovarian imaging and hormonal examinations if any abnormalities are observed.
BACKGROUND:Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common ovulatory disorder that can be induced by sodium valproate (VPA). PATIENT: We report a case of PCOS that developed in a 15-year-old girl with idiopathic epilepsy after she took VPA. VPA administration stopped her seizures, but it also led to weight gain and amenorrhea, and the patient was diagnosed with PCOS on the basis of diagnostic imaging and serological examination results. Cessation of VPA administration led to reduced weight gain and restored menstruation. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of PCOS developing in patients with epilepsy is known to be high, and the association of VPA with PCOS is well established, so if physicians feel this is the best drug to prescribe for female patients with epilepsy, they should carefully monitor the patients' weight and menstruation, and immediately perform ovarian imaging and hormonal examinations if any abnormalities are observed.