Levamisole Induced Agranulocytosis in a Child with Steroid Dependent Nephrotic Syndrome: A Case Report

JNMA J Nepal Med Assoc. 2024 Jul 31;62(276):545-547. doi: 10.31729/jnma.8700.

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.

Keywords: agranulocytosis; immunomodulator; levamisole; steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome..

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic* / adverse effects
  • Agranulocytosis* / chemically induced
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Levamisole* / adverse effects
  • Nephrotic Syndrome* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Levamisole
  • Adjuvants, Immunologic