Valproic Acid-Induced Cutaneous Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis
June 2012
in “
PubMed
”
leukocytoclastic vasculitis immune complex deposition capillaries venules cutaneous patterns topical corticosteroids systemic immunosuppressants valproic acid anticonvulsant mood-stabilizing drug alopecia hair color changes hair texture changes skin patterns topical steroids systemic immune suppressants Depakote hair loss
TLDR Valproic acid can cause a skin condition called leukocytoclastic vasculitis, which usually gets better after stopping the drug.
The document discusses leukocytoclastic vasculitis, an inflammatory disease of blood vessels, which is often drug-induced and characterized by immune complex deposition in capillaries and venules. It has an incidence of 20:100,000 yearly and can affect any age or sex. The disease presents with various cutaneous patterns, potentially affecting internal organs, and is treated by removing triggers, managing underlying disorders, and using medications ranging from topical corticosteroids to systemic immunosuppressants. Valproic acid, an anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing drug, is noted to cause dermatological side effects, including cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis, alopecia, and changes in hair color and texture. The document suggests that when valproic acid is the trigger, the vasculitis typically resolves upon discontinuation of the drug.
