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Published on: March 30, 2018
Drug-induced pseudolymphoma syndrome.
R R Mittal1, C Jain, R L Walia
1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Government Medical College, Patiala-147 001, India, .
Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology
|October 19, 2010
Summary
Anticonvulsant drugs can cause pseudolymphoma syndrome (PS) in children, presenting with fever and swollen lymph nodes. Prompt treatment with steroids and drug withdrawal is often effective, though severe cases can be fatal.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Anticonvulsant drugs are widely used in pediatric epilepsy management.
- Adverse drug reactions, including hypersensitivity syndromes, can occur.
- Pseudolymphoma syndrome (PS) is a rare but serious potential complication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on five pediatric cases of pseudolymphoma syndrome (PS).
- To identify the anticonvulsant drugs implicated in PS development.
- To describe the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes of PS in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series analysis of five children diagnosed with PS.
- Review of medical records for drug history, clinical symptoms, and treatment response.
- Clinical and pathological data were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Five pediatric patients (aged 6-12 years) developed PS after anticonvulsant therapy (carbamazepine or phenobarbitone).
- Symptoms included fever, generalized lymphadenopathy, morbilliform rash (carbamazepine) or erythroderma (phenobarbitone), and hepatosplenomegaly in 4/5 cases.
- Treatment with prednisolone and drug withdrawal resulted in cure in 4/5 cases; one patient died from congestive cardiac failure.
Conclusions:
- Anticonvulsant-induced pseudolymphoma syndrome is a significant concern in pediatric patients.
- Early recognition, drug withdrawal, and corticosteroid therapy are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for PS in children presenting with relevant symptoms after anticonvulsant use.
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