J Pediatr

Anti-seizure meds linked to frequent but mild leukopenia in children

April 25, 2025

Study details: The study included 198 pediatric patients treated with anti-seizure medications (ASMs) at Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital. It was a retrospective cohort study that compared clinical variables between patients who developed leukopenia with those who didn't.

Results: Leukopenia occurred in 49% of the patients, with 88% of episodes being mild. No life-threatening leukopenia or deaths were reported. Clinical actions were taken in only 4% of leukopenia episodes. Symptoms were present in 3% of episodes, and other blood cell cytopenias were more frequent in children with leukopenia (62% vs. 18%; P<0.001). Risk factors included organ dysfunction, longer treatment duration, combination treatments, and older age.

Clinical impact: Leukopenia is a common side effect of ASMs but is mostly asymptomatic and without complications. Mild leukopenia doesn't typically necessitate ASM discontinuation or adjustment.

Source:

Pettersson H, et al. (2025, April 17). J Pediatr. Leukopenia in Children on Anti-Seizure Medication Is Common with Minor Clinical Impact. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40252960/