Effects of valproate on brain volumes in pediatric bipolar disorder: A preliminary study. (30th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cazala, Fadwa; Suchting, Robert; Zeni, Cristian P.; Bauer, Isabelle E.; Mwangi, Benson; Wu, Mon-Ju; Passos, Ives Cavalcante; Spiker, Danielle E.; Zunta-Soares, Giovanna B.; Soares, Jair C.
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 278(2018)
• Page Start: 65
• Page End: 68
• Publication Date: 2018-08-30
• Subjects: Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Brain -- Imaging -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Diagnostic Imaging -- Periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; Cerveau -- Imagerie pour le diagnostic -- Périodiques; 616.890754
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2018.05.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0925-4927

Abstract

Highlights: The present study explored the neural sodium valproate (VPA) in pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD). Analysis showed a decrease in amygdala volume over time across PBD patients. Large scaled and longitudinal studies are needed to understand the long-term effects of VPA on PBD's brain. Abstract: Sodium valproate (VPA) has well-established neuroprotective effects and is recommended as treatment in bipolar disorder patients. The neural effects of VPA in pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) have yet to be established. This preliminary study explored the effects of VPA on brain structure in PBD. Fourteen PBD patients (10 males; mean = 13.43 ± 3.05 years old) underwent a structural MRI before and after a 6-week VPA treatment period. Bayesian linear mixed modeling explored seven brain region volumes as a function of dichotomous pre/post time. Results showed a decrease in amygdala volume over time. These findings need to be confirmed by large-scale, longitudinal studies.