Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41609368›Full record

ArticleCPT: pharmacometrics & systems pharmacology2026

A QSP Model of Valproic Acid Toxicity in Pediatric and Adult Populations: Implications for Formulation Selection and L-Carnitine Supplementation.

Alejandra Schiavo, Cecilia Maldonado, Marta Vázquez, Pietro Fagiolino, Inaki F Trocóniz, Manuel Ibarra

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in CPT: pharmacometrics & systems pharmacology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Alejandra SchiavoDepartment of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8358-8039
Cecilia MaldonadoDepartment of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9452-2111
Marta VázquezDepartment of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8459-4859
Pietro FagiolinoDepartment of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6756-1601
Inaki F TrocónizPharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology Research Unit, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3700-8658
Manuel IbarraDepartment of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0484-6367

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Valproic acid (VPA), a widely prescribed short-chain fatty acid for managing epilepsy, psychiatric conditions, and migraines, offers significant therapeutic benefits despite its concerning toxicity profile. This study extends our previously developed Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) model by incorporating age, sex, and formulation-related covariates to characterize VPA-induced toxicity across diverse populations. We developed virtual populations representing four demographic groups: toddlers (0-2 years), children (2-14 years), women (14-40 years), and men (14-40 years). Age-appropriate dosing regimens were simulated: 35 mg/kg/day for toddlers, 25 mg/kg/day for children, and 15 mg/kg/day for adults. The model successfully predicted overall incidences of hyperammonemia (29%), hyperlipidemia (54%), and hepatotoxicity (2%), aligning with previously reported clinical data. Notably, our model revealed distinct age-dependent toxicity patterns, with significantly lower incidences in toddlers compared to similar profiles observed in children and adult women. Formulation comparison demonstrated that extended-release formulations showed consistent directional trends toward lower adverse effect incidences compared to delayed-release formulations across all endpoints. The model also quantitatively assessed L-carnitine supplementation (CS) benefits, suggesting that administering L-carnitine at twice the VPA dose (in mg) effectively prevents hyperammonemia and maintains physiological fatty acid levels. This work advances our understanding of VPA-induced toxicity mechanisms across populations and provides evidence-based recommendations for optimizing formulation selection and CS in both pediatric and adult patients receiving VPA therapy.

Indexed as

AnticonvulsantsCarnitineValproic AcidAdolescentAdultAge FactorsChemical and Drug Induced Liver InjuryChildChild, PreschoolDietary SupplementsFemaleHumansHyperammonemiaInfantInfant, NewbornMaleAnticonvulsantsCarnitineValproic Acidmodified‐release formulationsontogenyquantitative system pharmacologyvalproic acidVPA‐induced adverse events

Identifiers

PMID41609368
PMCPMC12896377

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.