Valproic acid producing a Reye-like syndrome.

.Although several cases of acute hepatic failure associated with the administration of valproic acid (VPA) have been reported, the pathogenesis of this problem remains unclear. We report the case of a 40 month old male with a chronic seizure disorder treated with VPA and phenytoin for two years, who developed sudden progressive neurological deterioration with evidence of increased intracranial pressure and hepatic failure. The clinical features closely resembled those of Reye's syndrome suggesting the possibility of a common pathogenesis.