Valproic Acid Induced Pancreatitis Presenting With Decreased Level of Consciousness in a Child With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.

A 2-year-old Caucasian boy with tuberous sclerosis complex presented to the emergency department with lethargy and new onset myoclonias. Pancreatitis, thrombocytopenia, and coagulopathy associated to a decreased level of consciousness were diagnosed. Valproic acid had been initiated 13 months before and had been slowly increased to a dose of approximately 38 mg/kg/day. All the symptoms resolved after discontinuation of the medication. The clinical presentation of this child highlights that valproic acid-related pancreatitis can present with decreased level of consciousness without associated gastrointestinal symptoms. Adverse drug reactions associated with valproic acid can lead to damage of multiple organs and may prove fatal if not promptly recognized and managed. Copyright Pediatric Pharmacy Association. All rights reserved. For permissions, email: mhelms@pediatricpharmacy.org 2020.