A Case of Anemia Induced by Diphenylhydantoin

Abstract

With the wide use of diphenylhydantoin (DPH) for controlling convulsive disorders, associated side effects have been observed. We presented a case of 57-year old woman who developed severe anemia due to pure red cell aplasia after repeated injections of DPH for controlling her status epilepticus following head trauma. It is reported that anemia improves after discontinuation of DPH. In our case, however, patient's anemia was persistent because of secondary renal dysfunction in spite of stopping of DPH. Our experience taught us that DPH was neither indicated nor adequate for controlling seizures or status epilepticus.