[Anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome. 2 case reports and an overview]

Anticonvulsants with aromatic ring structure such as phenytoine, carbamazepine, phenobarbital and lamotrigine can induce a drug hypersensitivity syndrome ("anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome", AHS). Though the incidence of AHS is low, correct and early diagnosis are crucial to stop further progression by immediately withholding the causative drug. AHS usually starts within the first 2-8 weeks after initiation of therapy with fever, followed over the next 1-2 days by a cutaneous reaction and lymphadenopathy. The skin reaction is usually exanthematous but can also manifest itself as Stevens-Johnson or Lyell syndrome. AHS is commonly associated with symptomatic or asymptomatic internal organ involvement usually affecting the liver, although haematologic, renal or pulmonary impairment may also occur. We report two cases illustrating the clinical course and discuss theories about the potential pathogenesis and the treatment of AHS.