Immunoglobulin A deficiency following treatment with lamotrigine

Brain Dev. 2016 Nov;38(10):947-949. doi: 10.1016/j.braindev.2016.06.006. Epub 2016 Jul 7.

Abstract

Lamotrigine (LTG) is an anti-epileptic drug and mood-stabilizing agent, whose adverse effects include skin rash and dizziness. Interactions with the immune system are rare, and only a few cases linking hypogammaglobulinemia to LTG treatment have been previously described. In this report, we describe a case in which a patient developed hypogammaglobulinemia, and a subsequent immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency, following LTG treatment. As a result of her immunodeficiency, the patient presented with a severe urinary tract infection and required intravenous immunoglobulin. Serum levels of immunoglobulin G and M had recovered by seven months and one month after the discontinuation of LTG, respectively; however, IgA levels remained low (less than 4mg/dL) two years post-treatment. While previous reports have demonstrated IgA deficiencies in patients prescribed other antiepileptic drugs, this is the first case of an IgA deficiency following LTG administration.

Keywords: Hypogammaglobulinemia; IgA deficiency; Lamotrigine; Secondary.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects*
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Common Variable Immunodeficiency / blood
  • Common Variable Immunodeficiency / chemically induced*
  • Epilepsy / blood
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • IgA Deficiency / blood
  • IgA Deficiency / chemically induced*
  • Immunoglobulin A / blood
  • Lamotrigine
  • Triazines / adverse effects*
  • Triazines / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Triazines
  • Lamotrigine