Tower Hamlets Community Learning Disability Service: Sodium Valproate Audit for Male Patients With Learning Disabilities
Huan Tan, Sehrish Ali, David Prior, Kainat Khan, Nicole Eady

TL;DR
This audit examines the use of sodium valproate in male patients with learning disabilities, highlighting ongoing prescriptions despite known risks like testicular toxicity and infertility.
Contribution
The study provides a detailed audit of sodium valproate prescriptions in male patients with learning disabilities, emphasizing adherence to guidelines and risk communication.
Findings
25 male patients with learning disabilities are prescribed sodium valproate, with 16 under 40 years old.
Only 10 patients have completed the required risk acknowledgment process.
Some patients receive doses exceeding recommended thresholds due to clinical complexity.
Abstract
Aims: People with learning disabilities are at a higher risk of developing epilepsy and bipolar disorder. For decades, sodium valproate has been used to treat these conditions. However, recent evidence suggests an increased risk of testicular toxicity in men and neurodevelopmental disorders in children born to men who were treated with valproate in the three months prior to conception. Sodium valproate is not recommended for male patients under 55 years of age unless no other effective or tolerated treatment is available. Aims were: To compare our prescribing practices with the latest guidelines. To review the indication for sodium valproate in male patients with learning disabilities. To explain the potential risks of infertility and testicular toxicity. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study within our service, collecting data on all male patients currently taking sodium…
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Taxonomy
TopicsPharmacological Effects and Toxicity Studies · Family and Disability Support Research · Adolescent and Pediatric Healthcare
