Author/Editor     Ambrožič, Jana; Brvar, Miran; Bunc, Matjaž
Title     Nezavest pri povišanem plazemskem amonijevem ionu in normalnem delovanju jeter
Translated title     Uncousciousness due to hyperammonemia with normal liver function
Type     članek
Source     In: Gričar M, Vajd R, editors. Urgentna medicina: izbrana poglavja. Zbornik 13. mednarodni simpozij o urgentni medicini; 2006 jun 14-17; Portorož. Ljubljana: Slovensko združenje za urgentno medicino,
Publication year     2006
Volume     str. 304-6
Language     slo
Abstract     One of the causes of acute unconsciousness is hyperammonemia, which is in adult patient mostly related to liver dysfunction. Valproic acid, used as an antiepileptic drug, might be the causeoi elevated plasma ammonia without signs of liver failure. We report on two patients with acute unconsciousness and hyperammonemia in the absence of liver dysfunction. In the first case hyperammonemia appeared at chronic valproic acid therapy and valproic acid within the therapeutic range. In the second case acute valproic acid overdose due to suicide attempt caused hyperammonemia with valproic acid level above the therapeutic range. In patients presented with acute mental status changes plasma ammonia is an important screening test. Acute valproic acid overdose as well as chronic valproic acid therapy might result in hyperammonemia without liver dysfunction.
Descriptors     UNCONSCIOUSNESS
AMMONIA
VALPROIC ACID
ADULT