Risks Associated with Valproate Withdrawal in People with Epilepsy

Valproate (VPA) is an effective antiseizure medication for people with epilepsy, particularly generalized epilepsy. However, its use has diminished in people of childbearing age due to the risk for major congenital malformations and adverse effects on fetal neurodevelopment. In a retrospective cohort study using de-identified electronic health data in the TriNetX platform, investigators compared mortality and morbidity risks during a 5-year period in people with epilepsy (PWE) on valproate who withdrew or continued therapy. Outcomes selected through a public engagement process to ensure meaning to PWE included death, emergency department (ED) visits, hospital admissions, falls, injuries, burns, aspiration pneumonia, incident depression, sel…