Anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome

Abstract

Anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome (AHS) is a rare and potentially fatal reaction characterized by the appearance of fever, skin rash and internal organ involvement. Phenytoin, phenobarbital and carbamazepine are the most frequent aromatic anticonvulsants causing the reaction. This syndrome occurs 1–8 weeks after the initial drug exposure but, even though glucocorticoids appear to be useful in severe cases, discontinuation of the drug has been found to be essential in the resolution of symptoms.