Hypersensitive syndrome reaction of antiepileptic drug: two case reports and literature review

Hypersensitivity syndrome reaction of antiepileptic drug （AED） can induce serious cutaneous, hematological and hepatic events. In severe cases, fulminant hepatic failure may necessitate liver transplantation, and most patients die due to the liver failure. Severe adverse cutaneous reactions, including Steven-Johnson syndrome （SJS）, toxic epidermal necrolysis （TEN） and hypersensitivity syndrome, are rare but life-threatening. Its morality rate is as high as 5%-50%. Accurate early diagnosis and timely treatment may contribute to decreased morality rate. In this paper, we reported cases of hypersensitive syndrome reaction to carbamazepine （CBZ） or phenobarbital （PB） in two patients with epilepsy. Clarification of the therapeutic process and the early manifestation of epilepsy may be helpful to improve the epilepsy therapy while avoiding the potential severe adverse cutaneous reactions of AED. The two reported cases highlighted that the therapeutic process of CBZ and PB might lead to the fatal allergic reaction, which was mainly caused by the absence of epoxide-hydroxylase and the defect of hepatocytes.

Phenytoin Induced Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS): Case Report

Background: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition. It presents a long prodromal period, extensive rash, fever, lymphadenopathy, hematologic abnormalities (eosinophilia with or without atypical lymphocytosis), and internal organ involvement. Purpose: To describe a case of phenytoin induced DRESS syndrome, presenting diagnostic and management challenges of clinical interest. Methods: The Consensus-based Clinical Case Reporting Guideline Development (CARE) was observed for data analysis in case reports. Case Report: A 22-year-old man, using phenytoin for 60 days, sought medical attention due to fever and maculopapular cutaneous lesions. He presented lymphocytosis with eosinophilia and severe acute hepatitis 24 hours after admission day. Hepatic transaminases returned to reference levels after phenytoin withdrawal, and eosinophilia and cutaneous manifestations did not respond well to systemic steroids. A forearm biopsy showed findings suggestive of severe cutaneous adverse reaction. The patient’s microscopic and clinical characteristics meet all criteria in the scoring systems of Bocquet et al., Registry of Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reaction (RegiSCAR), and Japanese Research Committee on Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reaction (J-SCAR), being highly suggestive of DRESS syndrome very probably caused by phenytoin. The complete remission of symptoms was achieved weeks after admission. Conclusions: DRESS syndrome is a defiant reaction. Clinicians must be aware of potential causative drugs and perform a complete clinical examination using the available resources, including laboratory tests and histopathological assessment. The clinical remission relies on the withdrawal of the culprit drug. Particular attention should be given to the involvement of internal organs.

Severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions： a review on epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestation and pathogenesis

Purpose To review the current progress in epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestation, and pathophysiology of severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions （SCADRs）. Data sources Data were acquired by using Blackwell-Synergy, PubMed, original articles published in the main Chinese journals and related medical textbooks materials. Study selection and data extraction Throughout the literature review 49 articles were selected. Results SCADRs cases are rare, however, the implication is life threatening with significant mortality rates. Epidemiology studies have shown various incidences from different regions, gender, age, race and concurrent illness. There are typical signs and symptoms for each type of SCADRs, but this is not always so. Drugs associated with inducing SCADRs are anticonvulsants, antibiotics, NSAIDs and antirheumatic drugs. In some countries, especially in Asia, traditional drugs are often the cause of SCADRs. Genetic polymorphisms and viral infections are predisposition factors of SCADRs. Patients with certain genetic alleles and underlying diseases are vulnerable to SCADRs. The exact pathogenesis of SCADRs is not well defined. Nonetheless, recent study showed that reactive metabolites and immunological processes have a significant role in SCADRs. Conclusions The different SCADRs reactions are attributed by different intrinsic factors, such as genetic polymorphisms, gender, age and race as well as extrinsic factors, such as underlying diseases. Different regions and culprit drugs also play a role in the various types of SCADRs.