Levetiracetam-induced pancytopenia

Epilepsy Behav Case Rep. 2015 Jul 24:4:45-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ebcr.2015.06.001. eCollection 2015.

Abstract

Pancytopenia is a rare side effect of levetiracetam (LEV) that is associated with severe morbidity that requires hospitalization. Here, we report a patient with a right temporoparietal tumor who underwent a temporal craniotomy with resection of the mass and was started on LEV for seizure prophylaxis per the neurosurgery local protocol. The patient developed LEV-induced pancytopenia, which was successfully managed by discontinuation of this medication. Our report aims to increase awareness of this rare cause of pancytopenia among clinicians.

Keywords: Adverse effects; Glioblastoma multiforme; Levetiracetam; Pancytopenia.