Abstract

Madhavi Valleti*, Thoti Kodandaraman, P. Lakshmi and D. Ranganayakulu

ABSTRACT

Drug rash with Eosinophilia and systemic symptoms [DRESS] syndrome associated with anticonvulsant drugs is a rare but potentially life threatening adverse reaction characterized by skin rashes, fever, leukocytosis with Eosinophilia or atypical lymphocytosis, lymph node enlargement and liver or renal dysfunction. In this article a case report on GABAPENTIN induced DRESS is discussed. A 14 year old male patient admitted with complaints of fever, joint pains, itching and burning sensation of skin all over the body more over trunk and upper limbs and skin coloured papules over the palms. The patient is a known case of epilepsy since 1 year and is on Carbamazepine and later discontinued due to Steven Johnson syndrome. On previous hospital visit the patient was prescribed with Gabapentin 300 mg and used for 5 months and later develop above symptoms. All the physical examination and laboratory finding aid in supporting the diagnosis of Gabapentin induced DRESS. In this case causality assessment using Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scaleshowed that Gabapentin was probable cause. [Score–5]. The patient was managed conservatively in a hospital setup using topical systemic corticosteroids and also managed appropriately. Patients on Gabapentin must be carefully monitored for ADRs including DRESS syndrome.