Anticonvulsant hypersensitivity reaction in pregnancy.
BACKGROUND
Anticonvulsant hypersensitivity reaction is a multisystem disorder that occurs after exposure to aromatic anticonvulsants. It is potentially fatal, with a mortality rate up to 50%. We report a case of an anticonvulsant hypersensitivity reaction that occurred during pregnancy at 10 weeks' gestation.


METHODS
A grand multipara was being treated with carbamazapine for a seizure disorder. She developed a maculopapular rash, elevated liver enzymes, and pancytopenia. Withdrawal of aromatic anticonvulsants and supportive therapy resulted in resolution of her illness. The remainder of her pregnancy was uneventful, and she delivered a healthy infant at term.


CONCLUSIONS
All pregnant women treated with aromatic anticonvulsants are at risk for anticonvulsant hypersensitivity reaction, and a high degree of clinical suspicion is essential for diagnosis.
Deering
Shad H
SH
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. deering95@hotmail.com
Thompson
Kay
K
Taylor
Janine
J
Hueppchen
Nancy
N
D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008577:Meningeal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D008579:Meningioma / Q000150:complications; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D011252:Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D002220:Carbamazepine