Drug Reaction With Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) in an Adolescent Treated With Lamotrigine

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a hypersensitivity syndrome most commonly associated with antiepileptic agents, allopurinol, and sulfonamides. It is a severe adverse reaction associated with fever, rash, eosinophilia, lymphadenopathy, and internal organ involvement. We present the case of a 17-year-old Caucasian female with bipolar disorder type II and posttraumatic stress disorder treated with lamotrigine for a non-Food and Drug Administration-approved indication that developed DRESS syndrome at an initial dose higher than that recommended. Her symptoms were atypical in that she developed a rash with influenza-like symptoms that resolved after discontinuation of lamotrigine and returned 8 days later. She was hospitalized because of elevated liver enzymes and treated with corticosteroids. In patients presenting with rash and systemic symptoms, DRESS syndrome should be considered and treated appropriately to reduce mortality, which can be as high as 10%. Treatment includes withdrawal of the offending agent and corticosteroids.