Asian Journal of Case Reports in Medicine and Health

Severe Anemia Secondary to Valproic Acid Therapy in a Twelve Year Old Girl

Krishnan Balagopal *

Department of Neurology, MOSC Medical College, Kolenchery, Kochi, India.

M. A. Mathew

Department of Paediatrics, MOSC Medical College, Kolenchery, Kochi, India.

Binu Mary Bose

Department of Pathology, MOSC Medical College, Kolenchery, Kochi, India.

Jim Alex

Department of Pediatrics, MOSC Medical College, Kolenchery, Kochi, India.

Shamima Ismail

Department of Pediatrics, MOSC Medical College, Kolenchery, Kochi, India.

Nimisha S. Nair

Department of Pediatrics, MOSC Medical College, Kolenchery, Kochi, India.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

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Abstract

Background: Sodium Valproate is one of the commonest antiepileptic drugs used in the paediatric age group. Haematological side effects of Valproate though rare are an important cause of morbidity. These can include anemia, red cell aplasia and thrombocytopenia. Early recognition of this complication is important for proper management.

Objective: To describe a case of severe anemia caused by chronic therapy with sodium Valproate in a twelve year old girl with seizure disorder.

Presentation of Case: We describe here a case of a twelve year old girl who was a known case of epilepsy on Valproate therapy presenting with severe anaemia. Haematological parameters normalized after stopping Valproate. Through this report, we wish to highlight the importance of periodic monitoring of blood counts in every patient on long term Valproate therapy.

Keywords: Anemia, valproic acid, epilepsy

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