Sodium Valproate Exacerbating an Underlying Disorder of Fatty Acid Metabolism

Abstract

We describe a 29-year-old female who presented with rhabdomyolysis shortly after starting a course of sodium valproate. A thorough investigation revealed a likely mitochondrial origin inducing this susceptibility. An underlying mitochondrial disorder should be considered in all patients who present with undifferentiated disease whilst taking sodium valproate.

Keywords

• Sodium valproate
• Mitochondrial disorder
• Rhabdomyolysis