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.
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