[Toxic epidermal necrolysis due to lamotrigine].
A 10-year-old girl developed a progressive rash and high fever more than a month after the start of lamotrigine as add-on medication for therapy-resistant epilepsy. A skin biopsy indicated toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell syndrome). Because her situation deteriorated and the lesions of the skin and mucosa progressed, she was transferred to a specialised centre for burn patients. Despite maximal supportive treatment, she died 3 weeks after the first skin lesions. Even with a low initial dosage of lamotrigine followed by a slow increase, a fatal toxic epidermal necrolysis is still possible. This should be kept in mind, especially in case of concurrent administration of valproic acid.
Beerhorst
K
K
Rijnstate Ziekenhuis, afd. Neurologie, Arnhem.
Renier
W O
WO
D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077213:Lamotrigine; D013262:Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D014227:Triazines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014227:Triazines; D000077213:Lamotrigine