179 Cases of Drug Eruptions Related to Antiepileptic Drugs

doi:10.19803/j.1672-8629.20250405

Abstract

Abstract: Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of drug eruptions caused by antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of related adverse drug reactions. Methods Retrospective analysis was conducted of the basic data, sensitizing drugs, incubation periods, clinical features, treatments, and outcomes of patients with AEDs-related drug eruptions and admitted to a tertiary hospital in 2015-2024. Results Among the 179 hospitalizations, carbamazepine was the most common causative drug (48.04%), with a median incubation period of 19.00 (10.00, 25.25) days, followed by lamotrigine (27.37%), with a median incubation period of 14.00 (9.25, 30.00) days. The primary approaches to AEDs included epilepsy management, neuropathic pain treatment, and mood stabilization. The median age of the patients (105 females and 74 males) was 48 (30, 64) years. The median incubation period of drug eruptions was 17.00 (10.00, 26.00) days. Thirty-three patients were diagnosed with severe drug eruptions, including 26 cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and 7 cases of toxic epidermal necrolysis. In addition to skin manifestations, common findings included elevated CRP levels (63.69%), abnormal liver function (54.75%), fever (48.60%), and elevated peripheral blood eosinophil counts (23.46%). Primary treatments involved discontinuation of the causative drugs and administration of glucocorticoids (98.32%) and antihistamines (60.35%). Intravenous immunoglobulin was administered to some patients with severe drug eruptions (42.42%). All the 179 patients improved and were discharged after treatment, with a median hospital stay of 10.00 (8.00, 13.00) days. Conclusion Multiple AEDs can cause drug eruptions, with maculopapular eruptions being the most common. These eruptions are often accompanied by elevated CRP, abnormal liver function, and fever. Vigilance for the development of severe drug eruptions is crucial. The prognosis is generally favorable with timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Key words: Antiepileptic Drugs, Drug Eruption, Carbama-zepine, Lamotrigine, Valproic Acid, Adverse Drug Reactions

CLC Number:

R971
R994.11

REN Liuli, LYU Fengwen, XIA Quan. 179 Cases of Drug Eruptions Related to Antiepileptic Drugs[J]. Chinese Journal of Pharmacovigilance, 2025, 22(10): 1143-1147.

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https://zgywjj.magtechjournal.com/EN/Y2025/V22/I10/1143

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