A Rare Case of Levetiracetam-Induced Hemolytic Anemia

TL;DR

An elderly woman developed hemolytic anemia after taking levetiracetam, a seizure medication, highlighting a rare but serious side effect.

Contribution

This case report highlights levetiracetam-induced hemolytic anemia, a rare adverse effect not previously well-documented.

Findings

Levetiracetam use was associated with hemolytic anemia in a 77-year-old Alzheimer’s patient.

Discontinuation of levetiracetam led to improvement in hemoglobin levels.

This case suggests a potential non-immune mechanism for levetiracetam-induced anemia.

Abstract

This is the case of a 77-year-old female patient with Alzheimer’s disease, complicated by partial complex seizures. Levetiracetam was administered, which provoked hemolytic anemia. An extensive laboratory evaluation was suggestive of a non-immune etiology. Subsequent discontinuation of levetiracetam resulted in improvement of hemoglobin. Pancytopenia has been reported with the use of levetiracetam, but not isolated anemia. With this case report, we want to increase awareness of a potentially serious adverse reaction provoked by levetiracetam, a preferred anticonvulsive drug in the geriatric population.

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