Anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome (DRESS syndrome): report of 4 cases

Resumen

Abstract

Anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome is a rare and potentially fatal reaction characterized by fever, skin rash and internal organ envolvement. Phenytoin, phenobarbital and carbamazepine are
the most frequent aromatic anticonvulsivant drugs causing the reaction.
We report 4 adult patients, 2 males and 2 females, between 20 and 42 years old with clinical, laboratorial and histopathological findings consistent with anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome started 4 and 8 weeks after the administration of the drug. The causative drugs were
phenytoin, carbamazepine and the association of valproic acid and lamotrigine

(Dermatol Argent 2010;16(4):272-277).

Keywords: DRESS (Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms), Anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome.