Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms induced by valproic acid : a case report

Joint Authors

Darban, Mahbubah
Bagheri, Bahador

Source

Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal

Issue

Vol. 18, Issue 9 (30 Sep. 2016), pp.1-5, 5 p.

Publisher

Iranian Hospital

Publication Date

2016-09-30

Country of Publication

United Arab Emirates

No. of Pages

5

Main Subjects

Medicine

Abstract EN

Introduction : Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a rare but life-threatening reaction to drugs such as carbamazepine and allopurinol.

The condition is characterized by skin rashes, fever, hematological disturbances, lymphadenopathy, and organ failure, most probably hepatic dysfunction.

To date, only a few cases of valproate-induced DRESS syndrome have been reported.

Case Presentation : We report on the case of a 60-year-old man who had been treated with valproic acid some time before being referred to Kowsar Hospital, Semnan, Iran in December 2015.

He was given valproic acid 1000 mg PO, and after 20 days, he had developed widespread rashes, fever, esophagitis, cervical lymphadenopathy, and tender hepatomegaly.

Laboratory results at Kowsar showed a drop in hemoglobin, in addition to lymphocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and elevated serum transaminases.

DRESS was diagnosed, and corticosteroid therapy was initiated.

Administration of the culprit drug to the patient was also stopped.

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) improved the general condition of the patient.

Conclusions : Only a small number of case reports have described valproic acid-induced DRESS syndrome; therefore, the condition is difficult to prevent.

Rechallenge with valproic acid should be avoided in patients with a history of reaction to the drug.

American Psychological Association (APA)

Darban, Mahbubah& Bagheri, Bahador. 2016. Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms induced by valproic acid : a case report. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal،Vol. 18, no. 9, pp.1-5.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-724971

Modern Language Association (MLA)

Darban, Mahbubah& Bagheri, Bahador. Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms induced by valproic acid : a case report. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal Vol. 18, no. 9 (Sep. 2016), pp.1-5.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-724971

American Medical Association (AMA)

Darban, Mahbubah& Bagheri, Bahador. Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms induced by valproic acid : a case report. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal. 2016. Vol. 18, no. 9, pp.1-5.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-724971

Data Type

Journal Articles

Language

English

Notes

Includes bibliographical references : p. 5

Record ID

BIM-724971