A Rare Complication of Valproate-Induced Acute Pancreatitis in an Adult Patient with Bipolar Disorder: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Valproate-induced pancreatitis is an idiosyncratic reaction of the drug, commonly seen in the paediatric age group, between 1 week to 8 years of starting the drug. Case: The authors present a case report of a 61-year-old patient who presented with acute pancreatitis. All common causes were ruled out. The patient had a significant treatment history of taking valproate for bipolar disorder for 12 years. The patient was resuscitated with intravenous fluids and analgesics. Sodium valproate was stopped. The patient was monitored to detect early symptoms of systemic inflammatory response syndrome or any organ dysfunction or failure. The patient was sent to the ward after 4 days. The patient had a good outcome due to early diagnosis and resuscitation. Conclusion: Acute pancreatitis is a rare and potentially fatal complication in patients on valproate. After ruling out other common causes, a detailed medical and treatment history can lead to the diagnosis of this entity. Healthcare providers should be vigilant about the early signs and symptoms of pancreatitis, including acute abdomen, vomiting, and raised serum amylase and lipase.