Ethosuximide induced lupus-like syndrome in a 6-year-old: a case report

Ethosuximide has been used as an effective anticonvulsant for absence seizures for a half century. Risk of development of drug-induced lupus-like syndrome with anticonvulsants is considered to be very low and has been seldom reported. We describe a 6-year-old girl with absence seizures who developed symptoms following 6 weeks of treatment with ethosuximide. Onset of symptoms, including arthralgia, myalgia, rash and fever, were initially diagnosed as parvovirus or chronic parvovirus. Serology subsequently indicated drug-induced lupus-like syndrome although a positive double strand DNA made the diagnosis more complex. Ultimately, the girl demonstrated a dramatic improvement in symptoms following discontinuation of the ethosuximide. This case highlights the importance of excellent diagnostic skills, collaboration between primary and specialty care, and being prepared to identify an unlikely diagnosis.