Sodium valproate-induced kinky hair syndrome

Background. We report a case of acquired progressive kinking hair, a rare p ilar dysplasia. This is the first case induced by sodium valproate. Case report. A 6-year-old girl, treated with valproate, observed a progress ive change in the texture of her hair. They were kinky, lusterless, dry and , under light microscopy, exhibited an aspect of pseudo-pill torti. Discussion. This child had acquired progressive kinking hair syndrome most likely induced by valproate. Five other cases of valproate-induced pilar dy splasia have been reported but without clinical descriptions. Conclusion. We propose adding sodium valproate to the list of drugs suscept ible of inducing kinky hair syndrome.