Abstract: Objective To explore the effect of blood concentration monitoring on children with epilepsy treated with sodium valproate (VPA) and to provide reference for medications. Methods The clinical data on 258 patients with epilepsy treated between Jan 1, 2018 and Dec 12, 2019 was collected and analyzed retrospectively. Blood drug concentrations of VPA, drug efficacy and adverse reactions were recorded. Mutiple regression analysis was used to analyze the influence of various factors on blood drug concentrations. Results Plasma drug concentrations ranged from 50 to 100 μg·mL^-1 in 159 cases (61.63%), were below 50 μg·mL^-1 in 90 cases (34.88%), and above 100 μg·mL^-1 in 9 cases (3.45%). The effective rate was the highest in the > 100 μg·mL^-1 group, and the difference was statistically significant compared with the <50 μg·mL^-1 group (P=0.025). The incidence of adverse reactions was the highest in the >100 μg·mL^-1 group (69.39%), and the difference was statistically significant compared with other groups (P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis found that age, dosage forms, doses, and albumin could make statistically significant differences to plasma concentrations of VPA (P<0.05). Conclusion There are considerable individual differences in blood concentrations of VPA, and there are many influencing factors. Monitoring blood concentrations is of great significance for improving clinical efficacy and reducing adverse reactions.

Key words: sodium valproate, blood concentration monitoring, influencing factors, epilepsy, children