Anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome.
Anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome (AHS) is an uncommon but potentially fatal adverse effect that can occur from exposure to phenytoin, carbamazepine, or phenobarbital. It has diverse clinical features and a variable presentation which results in a delay in making the diagnosis. The syndrome commonly begins within 3 weeks after initiation of an anticonvulsant. Patients typically present with a constellation of fever, usually followed by the development of a rash of variable severity and type, and lymphadenopathy. In patients presenting with these features, the clinician should have a high index of suspicion for AHS.
Morkunas
A R
AR
Department of Medical Education, Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Miller
M B
MB
D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D004347:Drug Interactions; D000078328:Felbamate; D006801:Humans; D010634:Phenobarbital / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D048448:Phenylcarbamates; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D011409:Propylene Glycols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D013577:Syndrome
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D048448:Phenylcarbamates; D011409:Propylene Glycols; D002220:Carbamazepine; D010672:Phenytoin; D000078328:Felbamate; D010634:Phenobarbital