Abstract

The case history and toxicological findings of two fatal cases of valproic acid are presented. Valproic acid extracted from visceral organs (Viscera I - Stomach, Intestine and its contents and Viscera II - pieces of Heart, Lung, Liver, Kidney and Spleen) was qualitatively determined by thin layer chromatography, chemical test and Gas chromatography, while quantitative analysis was done by gas chromatography. The qualitative results obtained from different analytical techniques were in good agreement. Quantitative determination by gas chromatography (GC) yielded the high concentration of valproic acid in Viscera I and Viscera II samples. In Case 1, toxicological analysis by GC yielded valproic acid concentration 131.17 mg in Viscera I and 67.78 mg in Viscera II per 100 g, whereas in Case 2, Viscera I and Viscera II showed 69.29 mg and 4.87 mg per 100 g Valproic acid concentration respectively. The present finding far exceeds those associated with valproate therapy and similar to the limited valproate disposition data reported in prior fatal overdoses.

Keywords

Valproic acid, Viscera, Fatal cases, Gas chromatography, Forensic toxicology