Simultaneous toxicities in a child on multiple anticonvulsants

J Child Neurol. 2008 Sep;23(9):1054-7. doi: 10.1177/0883073808314156. Epub 2008 Mar 14.

Abstract

It is rare to develop simultaneous toxicities while on anticonvulsants. This article presents a 3(1/2)-year-old child on valproic acid, lamotrigine, and phenytoin who developed simultaneous hepatotoxicity and bone marrow toxicity during a parainfluenza virus type 3 infection. These toxicities resolved after the cessation of anticonvulsants, and her seizures were managed acutely with scheduled lorazepam. This article discusses the possibility that simultaneous use of valproic acid, lamotrigine, and phenytoin could give this combination of toxicities and that concurrent viral infection may increase this risk.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects*
  • Bone Marrow / drug effects
  • Bone Marrow / metabolism
  • Bone Marrow / physiopathology
  • Bone Marrow Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Bone Marrow Diseases / virology
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Drug Synergism
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lamotrigine
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Liver / physiopathology
  • Liver Diseases / virology
  • Lorazepam / adverse effects
  • Parainfluenza Virus 3, Human
  • Paramyxoviridae Infections / complications*
  • Phenytoin / adverse effects
  • Status Epilepticus / drug therapy
  • Status Epilepticus / physiopathology
  • Triazines / adverse effects
  • Valproic Acid / adverse effects

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Triazines
  • Valproic Acid
  • Phenytoin
  • Lorazepam
  • Lamotrigine