International Journal of Gerontology
Volume 3, Issue 2 , Pages 137-139, June 2009

Valproic Acid-induced Agranulocytosis

  • Hui-Chuan Hsu

      Affiliations

    • Department of Pharmacy, Department of Internal Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
    • ,
  • Hsiang-Kuang Tseng

      Affiliations

    • Infectious Disease Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
    • Institute of Tropical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
    • ,
  • Shen-Chuan Wang

      Affiliations

    • Department of Pharmacy, Department of Internal Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
    • ,
  • Ying-Yue Wang

      Affiliations

    • Department of Pharmacy, Department of Internal Medicine, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorrespondence to: Dr Ying-Yue Wang, Department of Pharmacy, Mackay Memorial Hospital, 92, Section 2, Chung-Shan North Road. Taipei 104, Taiwan

Accepted 7 May 2009.

Article Outline

Summary 

Valproic acid is considered to be the most well-tolerated antiepileptic drug. However, few cases of neutropenia or leukopenia caused by valproic acid have been reported. We present a patient who took valproic acid to treat a complication of brain surgery and in whom severe agranulocytosis occurred after 2.5 months. Valproic acid was stopped immediately, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was administered for 2 days. The patient's white blood cell count returned to normal within 2 weeks. The result of bone marrow aspiration was compatible with drug-induced agranulocytosis. This case illustrates that patients who take valproic acid may need regular checking of complete blood cell count.

Key Words:  agranulocytosis , leukopenia , neutropenia , valproic acid

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References 

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PII: S1873-9598(09)70036-5

doi:10.1016/S1873-9598(09)70036-5

International Journal of Gerontology
Volume 3, Issue 2 , Pages 137-139, June 2009

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