Ethosuximide induced lymphadenopathy--a case report

A wide range of adverse effects has been reported following prolonged use of anticonvulsant drugs. More commonly reported adverse effects for ethosuximide include gastric disturbances, psychiatric disorders and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Rare instances of leukopenia and pancytopenia have been noted. A case is presented of a 12 year old girl who developed generalized lymphadenopathy with progressive weight loss and leukopenia following prolonged use of ethosuximide for simple absence seizures. The enlarged lymph nodes regressed with withdrawal of the drug but re-appeared when the drug was recommenced. Sodium valproate was then introduced and ethosuximide discontinued. The seizures were successfully controlled with sodium valproate. Histopathology report of the lymphnode biopsy showed marked reactive lymphnode hyperplasia.