Cytokine dermatitis and febrile seizure from imiquimod.
Cytokine dermatitis is a well-known and common clinical adverse effect of imiquimod 5% cream (Aldara, 3M). Data from initial Phase III clinical trials reveal a minority of study drug patients experience systemic adverse effects, including fever, arthralgia, headache, myalgia, and lymphadenopathy. These adverse effects are caused, presumably, from increased absorption of study drug over the area of dermatitis, leading to systemic cytokine release. Furthermore, the incidence of systemic reactions was rarely statistically increased above control patients. We describe herein a case of severe cytokine dermatitis in a 2-year-old female patient treated with daily imiquimod for molluscum contagiosum who subsequently developed febrile seizure. We believe this to be the first reported case of seizure associated with imiquimod 5% cream (Aldara, 3M) in a pediatric setting.
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, Watertown, MA 02472, USA. suzanne_mosher@vmed.org
J Suzanne
JS
Mosher
Peter
P
Lio
D000005:Abdomen; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000634:Aminoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006119:Groin; D006801:Humans; D000077271:Imiquimod; D007369:Interferon Inducers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008976:Molluscum Contagiosum / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D003294:Seizures, Febrile / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis
D000634:Aminoquinolines; D016207:Cytokines; D007369:Interferon Inducers; D000077271:Imiquimod