Valproic acid-induced acute pancreatitis: First case report in Morocco and literature review

Abstract

Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas following self-destruction by its own enzymes responsible for local lesions and systemic response. In rarely cases, several drugs are described as having adverse effects causing acute pancreatitis outside of a context of drug intoxication. Classically, drug-induced acute pancreatitis tends to be edematous and has a relatively limited course over time. Several cases of pancreatitis due to sodium valproate are described in the literature. We describe a first clinical case in Morocco of an epileptic adolescent treated with sodium valproate who developed severe acute pancreatitis. Making a diagnosis of drug-induced acute pancreatitis is based to evaluate intrinsec and extrinsec imputability of this drug. The mortality of valproate acid-related pancreatitis is estimated at 15%. Neurologists, pediatricians and emergency physicians must be informed of this complication.