Valproic acid, an infrequent cause of acute pancreatitis in pediatrics: Case report

Abstract

Valproic acid is a widely used drug since its authorization by the FDA and to date it is used in monotherapy schemes or combined with other anticonvulsants for different types of seizures. Valproic acid shows advantages over other anticonvulsants because it shows less adverse effects, as well as a lower frequency of cognitive dysfunction and central nervous system effects, which allows to be more alert; Nausea, vomiting and tremors are among its adverse effects. The toxic effects can be dose dependent or idiosyncratic. Alopecia, medullar aplasia, immune-mediated hepatotoxicity and pancreatitis are described in the idiosyncrasies. The reported cases of pancreatitis associated with valproic acid are few and in general most are mild and self-limiting. We report a case of pancreatitis with left pleural effusion, portal vein thrombosis and splenic with subsequent pancreatic pseudocyst.