title: Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis secondary to levetiracetam and valproic acid use.
abstract: Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare cutaneous eruption characterized by the appearance of diffuse, sterile pustules on an erythematous and edematous base. Most cases are attributed to drug reactions, with antibiotics being the most common offending agents. Only a handful of case reports have described AGEP in the setting of antiepileptic use. Here, we report a case of AGEP secondary to dual antiepileptic therapy with levetiracetam and valproic acid in a 73-year-old female. The patient presented to the emergency department with the characteristic AGEP rash, fever, and leukocytosis. Upon discontinuation of the two medications and conservative management, the patient's symptoms quickly abated, and she was discharged from the hospital several days later.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, 500 Hofstra Boulevard, Hempstead, NY 11549, United States; Department of Neurosurgery, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, 500 Hofstra Boulevard, Hempstead, NY 11549, United States. Electronic address: zlevy@northwell.edu.
authors.forename: Zachary David
authors.initials: ZD
authors.lastname: Levy
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, 500 Hofstra Boulevard, Hempstead, NY 11549, United States.
authors.forename: Megan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Slowey
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, 500 Hofstra Boulevard, Hempstead, NY 11549, United States.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schulder
mesh_terms: D056150:Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D000368:Aged; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D010889:Piracetam / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000077287:Levetiracetam; D014635:Valproic Acid; D010889:Piracetam
keywords: Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis; Antiepileptics; Drug eruption; Pustular rash; Sterile pustules