Document Details

Document Type : Article In Journal 
Document Title :
Potentially serious Lamotrigine-related skin rash
Potentially serious Lamotrigine-related skin rash
 
Subject : Pediatric Neurology 
Document Language : English 
Abstract : Objective: To report our experience with lamotrigine (LTG)-related skin rash in children with epilepsy. Methods: We identified a series of consecutive children with epilepsy treated with LTG prospectively over a 5- year period ending 1st October 2005 at King Abdul-Aziz University Hospital and King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Results: Of 207 children on LTG, 15 (7.2%) developed a skin rash with ages ranging between 3-12 years (mean 7.5). We used LTG as monotherapy in 3/15 and as add on in 12/15, mostly (10/15) in addition to valproic acid (VPA). The rash was mild with complete recovery in 7 children (47%). The remaining 8 (3.9% of the total) had severe rash that necessitated admission to hospital. Seven out of these 8 children were also receiving VPA. One child had superimposed secondary bacterial infection and admitted for intravenous antibiotics. Two children recovered slowly with extensive postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. We diagnosed Stevens-Johnson syndrome in 5 children (2.4% of the total). One of these 5 children had progressive symptoms that evolved to toxic epidermal necrolysis. He required prolonged intensive care admission and developed sepsis with disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. He deteriorated despite supportive therapy, and died 5 weeks after the initiation of LTG therapy. Conclusions: Lamotrigine is a novel antiepileptic drug with a favorable therapeutic profile and good tolerability. However, LTG-related skin rash is a potentially serious adverse event that should be carefully monitored. Although the risk is small, one should weigh this against the potential benefits, particularly in children on VPA 
ISSN : 1319-6138 
Journal Name : Neurosciences 
Volume : 12 
Issue Number : 1 
Publishing Year : 1428 AH
2007 AD
 
Article Type : Article 
Added Date : Saturday, May 17, 2008 

Researchers

Researcher Name (Arabic)Researcher Name (English)Researcher TypeDr GradeEmail
محمد جانJan, Mohammed ResearcherDoctorate 

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