Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment Commons^™

A Rare Case Report Of Hypoketotic Hypoglycemia Induced Seizures Due To Secondary Carnitine Deficiency In A 44-Year-Old Female, Ayrton Bangolo, Nicole Tesoro, Sonia Onyeka, Mary Bangura, Rekha Shrestha, Vignesh K. Nagesh, Roua Alrestom, Joshua Rathod, Eugenio L. Gomez, Youssef Laabidi, Imane Laabidi, Conrad Erikson, Aayat Sheikh, Sharon Maria, Mansi Naria, Erwin J. Tabucanon, Juilee V. Dongre, Auda Auda, Mohammed Jurri, Reshma Radhakrishnan, Hisham Alrefai, Simcha Weissman

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Carnitine deficiency is a rare metabolic condition that can result in fasting hypoglycemia. Carnitine deficiency could be primary or secondary to other conditions. Among secondary causes, antiepileptics such as valproic acid have been incriminated. Valproic acid is known to deplete carnitine stores and inhibit the process of β-oxidation. Herein we report the case of a 44-year-old female with epilepsy that presented with breakthrough seizures associated with hypoglycemia despite being on appropriate antiepileptic therapy. The patient was later found to have carnitine deficiency. Discontinuation of valproic acid and supplementation with L-carnitine resolved the patient’s hypoglycemia and breakthrough seizures. With this case …