Levetiracetam induced interstitial nephritis and renal failure.
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.
Hurwitz
Kathleen A
KA
Behavior and Development, Murrieta, California 92562, USA. khurwitzmd@gmail.com
Ingulli
Elizabeth G
EG
Krous
Henry F
HF
D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000075202:Contraindications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D009395:Nephritis, Interstitial / Q000139:chemically induced*; D010889:Piracetam / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051437:Renal Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D010889:Piracetam