title: Reversible common variable immunodeficiency syndrome induced by phenytoin.
abstract: Phenytoin-induced panhypogammaglobulinemia mimicking the common variable immunodeficiency syndrome is rare. We describe a patient who, while being treated with phenytoin and corticosteroids, developed panhypogammaglobulinemia, recurrent pneumonia, eosinophilia, and a transient rash. Immunoglobulin levels, which had been normal prior to phenytoin therapy, returned to normal over a period of several months after the drug therapy was stopped. Levels of IgG subclasses and numbers of B cells, T cells, and T-cell subsets were determined during the recovery period. In a review of the reported cases, eosinophilia and rashes were frequently noted. These findings, along with recurrent infections in a patient receiving phenytoin therapy, should prompt a careful evaluation of the patient's immunologic status.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY 10021.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Travin
authors.forename: N T
authors.initials: NT
authors.lastname: Macris
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Block
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Schwimmer
mesh_terms: D000361:Agammaglobulinemia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D017099:IgG Deficiency; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D010672:Phenytoin