The anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome

Br J Dermatol. 1993 Aug;129(2):175-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1993.tb03523.x.

Abstract

Anticonvulsants can cause a characteristic hypersensitivity reaction. This multisystem reaction typically presents as fever, mucocutaneous eruptions, lymphadenopathy and hepatitis. There is cross-reactivity between different anticonvulsants, which complicates subsequent therapy. We report three cases to illustrate both the typical features, and less common complications, of this under-recognized and life-threatening syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects*
  • Bronchial Diseases / chemically induced
  • Carbamazepine / adverse effects
  • Drug Eruptions / etiology*
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / etiology*
  • Facial Dermatoses / chemically induced
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pharyngitis / chemically induced
  • Phenytoin / adverse effects
  • Primidone / adverse effects
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / etiology
  • Urticaria / chemically induced

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Primidone
  • Carbamazepine
  • Phenytoin