Lamotrigine induced toxic epidermal necrolysis: A case report

Abstract

Introduction A wide spectrum of cutaneous adverse reactions ranging from simple maculopapular rashes to more severe and life-threatening reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis(TEN) have been described after exposure to many antiepileptic drugs. Although the adverse effect following lamotrigine has been reported after a low initial dosage, the risk of developing TEN is relatively rare. Case report We present a 23-year-old female, 6 months post-partum, a case of complex partial seizure, who developed TEN after 14 days of monotherapy with lamotrigine. She was put on steroids and other supportive management. After a tempestuous course of 9 days in ICU, she made an eventful recovery. Discussion Lamotrigine, a chemically different newer antiepileptic, if rapidly titrated and used in conjunction with valproate can cause exfoliative dermatitis-like TEN, but at lower doses and as a monotherapy, female, post-partum, probably due to hormonal factors and strong association between HLA-B*1502 and AED (Antiepileptic drug)-induced SJS/TEN in patients of Asian ethnicity could be other contributing cause. Also, lesser use of lamotrigine in developing nations might have led to a lesser incidence of serious cutaneous adverse reactions. The SCORTEN (Severity-of-illness score for toxic epidermal necrolysis) is the most widely used system to standardize the evaluation of risk and prognosis in patients with TEN. Conclusion Though rare but TEN can occur following lamotrigine monotherapy. Prompt diagnosis, withdrawal of offending agent, and timely proper supportive care might help in lowering the mortality.

Lamotrigine-associated toxic epidermal necrolysis

“…According to several previous studies, the risk factors that have been recognized to cause lamotrigine associated TEN include: administration of dose greater than the recommended initial dose, co-administration of lamotrigine with valproate, use of lamotrigine in patients younger than 13 years, and previous positive history of hypersensitivity reaction from another antiepileptic drug. 8 According to the guidelines, management of patients diagnosed with TEN remains similar to thermal burns. The patient should be managed in an intensive care unit or burn center.…”