Diphenylhydantoin-induced severe yet reversible anemia during pregnancy

Intern Med. 2010;49(22):2515-8. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.49.4026. Epub 2010 Nov 15.

Abstract

Diphenylhydantoin (DPH) therapy, often used in treating epileptic seizures, can cause anemia in some patients. A 26-year-old female suffered from convulsions due to encephalitis and was placed on DPH therapy. About two months after the initiation of DPH therapy, her hemoglobin level was 3.8 g/dL. Her anemia improved after the discontinuation of DPH, confirming that the anemia was caused by DPH. Pure red-cell aplasia (PRCA) combined with hemolytic anemia was indicated by results such as erythroid aplasia, an increased LDH level, and a decreased haptoglobin level. PRCA complicated by hemolytic anemia could be responsible for anemia associated with DPH.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anemia / chemically induced*
  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Phenytoin / adverse effects*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic / chemically induced*
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Phenytoin