The anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome

Abstract

Anticonvulsants can cause a characteristic hypersensitivity reaction. This multisystem reaction typically presents as fever, mucocutaneous eruptions, lymphadenopathy and hepatitis. There is cross-reactivity between different anticonvulsants, which complicates subsequent therapy. We report three cases to illustrate both the typical features, and less common complications, of this under-recognized and life-threatening syndrome.