Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome in a paediatric patient taking zonisamide.

ABSTRACT

We describe the case of an 11-year-old male patient who presented with a new onset of rash after a recent introduction of zonisamide. Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS syndrome) is a very serious but rare adverse effect of anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine and phenytoin; however, the reported incidence on zonisamide is scant. DRESS syndrome is complex in its presentation. This patient presented with rash, fever, lymphadenopathy, severe skin erythema, oedema and reduced Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). He was successfully treated with pulsed intravenous methylprednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulin. The patient was discharged home well after a 3-week admission.