HOMEPRODUCTSCOMPANYCONTACTFAQResearchDictionaryPharmaSign Up FREE or Login

DRESS syndrome associated with carbamazepine and phenytoin.

Abstract
Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) syndrome reflects a serious hypersensitivity reaction to drugs. Its clinical manifestations include diffuse maculopapular rash, exfoliative dermatitis, facial edema, lymphadenopathy, fever, multivisceral involvement and it is associated with a high mortality rate. We report a 62-year-old patient suffering from epilepsia presenting erythroderma following carbamazepine intake. Blood tests revealed eosinophilia, leukocytosis, elevated liver enzymes and high levels of Eosinophil Cationic Protein (ECP). We applied systemic steroids and anticonvulsant therapy was switched to phenytoin, which had been taken previously without adverse reactions. The skin eruptions persisted and the patient developed fever. Anticonvulsant medication was discontinued and skin eruptions finally resolved under steroid application. This case report demonstrates that cross reactivity between carbamazepine and phenytoin may not only lead to the development but also to the worsening of DRESS syndrome. ECP blood levels may represent a sufficient parameter to monitor the development of DRESS syndrome.
AuthorsJean-Pierre Allam, Teresa Paus, Christoph Reichel, Thomas Bieber, Natalija Novak
JournalEuropean journal of dermatology : EJD (Eur J Dermatol) 2004 Sep-Oct Vol. 14 Issue 5 Pg. 339-42 ISSN: 1167-1122 [Print] France
PMID15358574 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
Chemical References
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Carbamazepine
  • Phenytoin
Topics
  • Anticonvulsants (adverse effects)
  • Blood Chemical Analysis
  • Carbamazepine (adverse effects)
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Eruptions (diagnosis, etiology, pathology)
  • Epilepsy (drug therapy)
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phenytoin (adverse effects)

Join CureHunter, for free Research Interface BASIC access!

Take advantage of free CureHunter research engine access to explore the best drug and treatment options for any disease. Find out why thousands of doctors, pharma researchers and patient activists around the world use CureHunter every day.
Realize the full power of the drug-disease research graph!


Choose Username:
Email:
Password:
Verify Password:
Enter Code Shown: