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Phenytoin-associated thrombocytopenia in a toddler
F K Alehan1, E C Russell, J M Pellock
1Division of Child Neurology, Medical College of Virginia of Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23298-0211, USA.
Journal of Child Neurology
|March 12, 1999
Summary
Phenytoin can cause rare hematologic side effects like thrombocytopenia. This case shows a 2-year-old girl who recovered from drug-induced thrombocytopenia after stopping phenytoin.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Pharmacovigilance
- Adverse Drug Reactions
Background:
- Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant medication.
- Hematologic side effects, including thrombocytopenia, are rare but documented adverse events associated with phenytoin therapy.
- Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by abnormally low levels of platelets in the blood.
Observation:
- A case report of a 2-year-old female patient treated with phenytoin.
- The patient developed thrombocytopenia during the course of phenytoin treatment.
- The onset of thrombocytopenia was observed on the 11th day of therapy.
Findings:
- The patient experienced reversible thrombocytopenia, a rare hematologic side effect of phenytoin.
- This adverse event occurred earlier than typically reported in adults, developing within 11 days of therapy initiation.
- Discontinuation of phenytoin led to the resolution of thrombocytopenia within 5 days.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for phenytoin to cause thrombocytopenia in pediatric patients.
- Suggests that the onset of phenytoin-induced thrombocytopenia may differ in children compared to adults.
- Emphasizes the importance of monitoring for hematologic changes in children receiving phenytoin therapy.