Valproic acid-induced pancreatitis in a 15-year-old boy with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy

Medicina (Kaunas). 2013;49(11):487-9.

Abstract

Drug-induced acute pancreatitis is a rare condition in childhood, and information about the incidence of valproic acid-induced acute pancreatitis in the pediatric population is scarce. In this clinical case, we report a first documented pediatric case of valproic acid-induced pancreatitis in Estonia. A 15-year-old boy with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy developed acute pancreatitis after 2-month therapy with valproic acid. The symptoms of pancreatitis subsided within 1 week after the discontinuation of treatment with valproic acid. Acute pancreatitis should be suspected in any pediatric patient with gastrointestinal symptoms during valproate treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adolescent
  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Estonia
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Myoclonic Epilepsy, Juvenile / drug therapy*
  • Pancreatitis / chemically induced*
  • Pancreatitis / diagnosis
  • Pancreatitis / therapy
  • Valproic Acid / adverse effects*
  • Valproic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Withholding Treatment

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Valproic Acid