Secondary hypogammaglobilinemia after use of carbamazepine: case report and review

Rev Hosp Clin Fac Med Sao Paulo. 2001 Nov-Dec;56(6):189-92. doi: 10.1590/s0041-87812001000600006.

Abstract

Immunologic disorders related to anticonvulsant therapy have been described in the last three decades, including cellular and humoral alterations that result in recurrent infections; however, the physiopathologic mechanisms are not completely understood. This report describes a patient with complex partial epilepsy and hypogammaglobulinemia while in treatment with carbamazepine, with significant improvement in clinical signs and laboratory tests after substitution to sodium valproate. The authors stress the importance of clinical and laboratory evaluation of patients in continuous anticonvulsant therapy, including immunoglobulins levels and peripheral blood evaluations.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects*
  • Carbamazepine / adverse effects*
  • Child
  • Epilepsy, Complex Partial / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin A / blood
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Male
  • Thrombocytopenia / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Carbamazepine