Localized morphea: a rare adverse effect of valproic acid.

Morphea, a specific type of cutaneous sclerosis, is known in the pediatric age group, but not as an adverse effect to the antiepileptic valproic acid. We report a 14-year-old male patient with absence seizures who, after treatment with valproic acid, developed skin tightness on the fingers. A biopsy specimen revealed dermal sclerosis consistent with morphea. His symptoms resolved gradually after discontinuation of the medication. To our knowledge, this is the first patient reported to have an apparently valproic acid-induced localized morphea.

Duke Scholars

Author Mohamad Abdul Mikati Pediatrics, Neurology