[Drug hypersensitivity syndrome to valproic acid].
BACKGROUND
Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening idiosyncratic drug reaction. It is usually due to aromatic anti-convulsants. We report the second case induced by sodium valproate, a non-aromatic anticonvulsant.


METHODS
A 28-year-old woman was treated with sodium valproate for 5 weeks. She suddenly developed a generalized maculo-papulous eruption with fever, node enlargement, hypereosinophilia and altered liver function.


CONCLUSIONS
Drug-induced hypersensitivity is rarely induced by valproic acid. The time-course and positive patch tests using the diluted drug establish the diagnosis.
Picart
N
N
Service de Dermatologie, CHU Rangueil, Toulouse.
Périole
B
B
Mazereeuw
J
J
Bonafé
J L
JL
D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010328:Patch Tests; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014635:Valproic Acid