Patient A, a 10-year-old Hispanic female diagnosed with childhood absence epilepsy, was started on Ethosuximide 250 mg BID. After 2 months, she experienced fever, rash, and joint pain, and her work-up indicated aplastic anemia with a positive ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-histone ab, and low complement levels, leading to a diagnosis of DIL. Ethosuximide was stopped, and treatment with Prednisone and Hydroxychloroquine resulted in symptom resolution and normalization of lab findings. Subsequent follow-up over 6 months showed no recurrence of seizures while off antiseizure medications.
Patient B, a 12-year-old Hispanic female also diagnosed with childhood absence epilepsy, received Ethosuximide 250 mg BID. After 3 months, she developed fever, fatigue, and joint pain, and her lab results showed a positive ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-histone ab, and low complement levels, leading to the diagnosis of DIL. Bone marrow biopsy confirmed autoimmune aplastic anemia. Her symptoms and lab work-up normalized with discontinuation of Ethosuximide and steroid treatment.
Patient C, an 8-year-old Hispanic female with childhood absence epilepsy, was prescribed Ethosuximide. After two months, she developed a malar rash, arthralgias, and walking difficulties. Blood testing was not conducted promptly, however, her symptoms resolved quickly and completely after the discontinuation of Ethosuximide.