Valproic acid hypersensitivity and desensitization

Dev Med Child Neurol. 2015 Nov;57(11):1076-8. doi: 10.1111/dmcn.12835. Epub 2015 Jun 19.

Abstract

Rash, a hypersensitivity reaction, is a common cause of withdrawal from an effective antiepileptic drug (AED) in patients with epilepsy. We present a case of successful desensitization to valproic acid in a 12-year-old male with childhood absence epilepsy and a hypersensitivity reaction, whose epilepsy did not respond to other AEDs. Desensitization is a practical therapeutic solution for patients who develop a non-life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction to an AED for which there may be no substitute.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects*
  • Child
  • Epilepsy, Absence / drug therapy*
  • Exanthema / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Valproic Acid / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Valproic Acid