Divalproex sodium-induced acute pancreatitis in a young patient of myoclonic seizures: A case report

Abstract

Background: Acute pancreatitis affects 300-600 new patients per million populations per year and is most commonly caused by gall stone or alcohol, but there may be other causes and associations. Reports of drug-induced acute pancreatitis have been published since the early 1950s, and each year the list of drugs associated with pancreatitis increases. Case report: An 18-years-old male patient was prescribed Divalproex sodium tablets (500 mg) once daily for myoclonic seizures one year ago. He suddenly developed severe epigastric pain with gradually progressive worsening for the last five days, along with profuse vomiting. Serum lipase and computed Tomography (CT) scan of the patient suggested the presence of acute pancreatitis. The patient was hospitalized; the drug was stopped and he was treated symptomatically. A diagnosis of drug-induced pancreatitis was made following exclusion of other possible factors precipitating pancreatitis. Conclusion: This case report suggests that divalproex sodium can precipitate acute pancreatitis in some cases and clinicians must be vigilant about it. In the absence of re-challenge, it is probable that Divalproex sodium has a causative link with acute pancreatitis.