Open Access Highly Accessed Case report

Anemia secondary to valproic acid therapy in a 13-year-old boy: a case report

Barbara Kaczorowska-Hac1*, Agnieszka Matheisel2, Lucyna Maciejka-Kapuscinska1, Jakub Wisniewski1, Anna Alska1, Elzbieta Adamkiewicz-Drozynska1, Anna Balcerska1 and Iwona Reszczynska1

Author Affiliations

1 Department of Pediatrics, Hematology, Oncology, and Endocrinology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland

2 Department of Developmental Neurology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland

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Journal of Medical Case Reports 2012, 6:239 doi:10.1186/1752-1947-6-239

Published: 10 August 2012

Abstract

Introduction

Valproic acid is a commonly used anti-epileptic drug. Hematological toxicities are among the occasionally observed adverse effects of this medication.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 13-year-old Caucasian boy who demonstrated mild anemia 12 months after the introduction of valproic acid therapy. A bone marrow biopsy revealed maturation arrest of proerythroblasts.

Conclusion

Prompt diagnosis and valproic acid discontinuation resulted in the patient’s recovery.

Keywords:
Valproic acid; Anemia; Child