Cross-sensitivity and the anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome

The anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome is a rare complication that oc curs with the use of antiepileptic medications. Although phenytoin is the m ost common culprit, carbamazepine and phenobarbital are known to cause a si milar reaction, A familial occurrence has been reported. We present a case of the anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome to emphasize the importance of recognizing the multiple clinical components of the syndrome and to rai se awareness of the cross-sensitivity among anticonvulsants metabolized via arene oxide metabolites. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc.