Diario de epilepsia

Valproic Acid Induced Isolated Thrombocytopenia after Acute Respiratory Infection

Abstract

Marija Kneževic-Pogancev

Valproic acid is the most used antiepileptic drug in children. Thrombocytopenia is one of known adverse effects of valproic acid. Acute respiratory infections are the most frequent acute infections in children. We present eleven cases of resistant thrombocytopenia in children on valproic acid therapy within therapeutic levels. Thrombocytopenia (without clinical signs) appeared after a short febrile episodes and signs and symptoms of acute respiratory infection, presenting with only few petehial skin spots. It does not respond to intravenous immunoglobulin’s, nether to corticosteroids. Thrombocytopenia responded dramatically to withdrawing of valproic acid. Complete platelet normalization after valproic acid withdrawal proved known adverse drug reaction between valproic acid and the thrombocytopenia this association.