Recrudescence of Severe Carbamazepine- Induced DRESS Syndrome after Initiation of Levetiracetam.

ABSTRACT

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a potentially fatal cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction commonly precipitated by antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Cross-reactivity among aromatic AEDs is well-documented, but between aromatic and nonaromatic AEDs. We report a patient with severe DRESS syndrome precipitated by aromatic AED carbamazepine with recrudescence approximately 2 weeks after substitution with nonaromatic AED levetiracetam. The patient was treated with high-dose corticosteroids and switched to the benzodiazepine AED clobazam. At follow-up appointment several weeks later, the patient's rash, liver injury, and eosinophilia had resolved.