What is antiepileptic drug allergy syndrome

  Antiepileptic drug allergy syndrome (AHS) is a dose independent side effect syndrome caused by antiepileptic drugs, mostly seen in children taking aromatic antiepileptic drugs (such as phenobarbital, phenytoin sodium and carbamazepine).  The diagnosis is based on a clear history of taking antiepileptic drugs, with symptoms appearing within 3 months after the drug is administered, with 2-8 weeks being the most common.  (2) There is a triad of fever, rash and visceral damage.  (1) Fever: seen in almost all children with AHS, can be either low or high fever, often appearing several days before the rash or at the same time as the rash.  (2) Rash: The incidence is 87%, with a variety of forms, including maculopapular rash, measles-like rash, scarlet fever-like rash with or without pruritus, polymorphic erythema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermolysis bullosa in severe cases. The typical rash is a bagel-like, bull’s-eye maculopapular rash with a congested outer ring, a pale band in the inner ring, and a dark purple necrotic area in the center.  (3) Visceral damage: liver involvement is the most common, manifesting as abnormal liver function, hepatomegaly and even hepatic necrosis. Other damage may include lung, kidney, hematological system, heart, etc.  3. Lymph node enlargement is an early sign of disease onset and can be limited or diffusely enlarged throughout the body.  4. Mucosal damage and vasogenic edema are common.  5.The disease gradually recovers after discontinuing the allergy-causing drugs.  6.Except other diseases: including rash, infectious diseases, infectious mononucleosis, Kawasaki disease, sepsis, viral hepatitis, rheumatic diseases, malignant tumors, etc.  Treatment 1. Discontinue allergy drugs immediately, and use Valium antiepileptic drugs in the acute stage.  2.Anti-inflammatory antibiotics.  3, anti-allergy: antihistamine, vitamin C, calcium, etc. can be given.  For general AHS children early application of hormones, generally advocate the use of high-dose methylprednisolone + high-dose intravenous gammaglobulin to control the systemic inflammatory response.  4.Strengthen skin and mucous membrane care to avoid secondary infection.  5.Protect the function of internal organs, if liver function is involved, liver-protective drugs can be given.  6.Ensure the supply of fluid and calories.  7.Avoid contact with other allergens, pay attention to the cross-allergic reaction between sodium phenobarbital and carbamazepine when switching to antiepileptic drugs, and use sodium valproate (in the acute phase of AHS with liver damage), topiramate and levetiracetam. Although lamotrigine can also occur in AHS, no cross-allergy has been found between it and other aromatic antiepileptic drugs, so it can still be used.