Pediatric Neurology
Volume 41, Issue 1 , Pages 57-58, July 2009

Levetiracetam Induced Interstitial Nephritis and Renal Failure

  • Kathleen A. Hurwitz, MD

      Affiliations

    • Behavior and Development, Murrieta, California
    • Corresponding Author InformationCommunications should be addressed to: Dr. Hurwitz; Behavior and Development; 25395 Hancock, Suite 250; Murrieta, CA 92562.
    • ,
  • Elizabeth G. Ingulli, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Pediatrics, Rady Children's Hospital–San Diego, San Diego, California
    • Department of Pediatrics, UCSD School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA
    • ,
  • Henry F. Krous, MD

      Affiliations

    • Pathology Research SUDC Program, Rady Children's Hospital–San Diego, San Diego, California

Received 22 July 2008; accepted 29 January 2009.

A 17-year-old girl who had started on levetiracetam because of new onset partial complex seizures developed acute renal failure and biopsy-confirmed interstitial nephritis 10 days after starting the drug. She made a complete and rapid recovery after discontinuation of levetiracetam and administration of oral corticosteroids. Levetiracetam, known to be predominantly excreted by the kidneys, has not previously been reported to cause significant renal complications in children. Children taking levetiracetam who present with abdominal pain, malaise, vomiting, oliguria, rash, or urticaria may require screening laboratory evaluation for potential renal adverse effects.

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PII: S0887-8994(09)00073-3

doi:10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2009.01.011

Pediatric Neurology
Volume 41, Issue 1 , Pages 57-58, July 2009

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