Publication: Levamisole Induced Agranulocytosis in a Child with Steroid Dependent Nephrotic Syndrome: A Case Report
Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nepal Medical Association
Abstract
Mohammad Firoz Anjum
Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Lagankhel, Lalitpur, Nepal
Gaurav Kumar Gupta
Narayani Upachetriya Hospital, Birjung, Nepal
Jeetendra Bhandari
Karnali Academy of Health Sciences, Jumla, Nepal
Description
Abstract
Levamisole has been used as an effective immunomodulator. Levamisole has been used for nephrotic syndrome due to its immunostimulant, immunomodulating, and steroid-sparing effects. Common adverse effects of levamisole are gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, abdominal cramps), and pyrexia. However, agranulocytosis or pancytopenia is also a rare but life-threatening complication of levamisole. This is a case report of a 5-year-old girl who had steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome for which she was started on levamisole as per her weight, following which she had falling total leukocyte count levels on every visit. Thus, this case report emphasizes identifying this rare side effect and its management.