Carbamazepine-Induced Drug Reaction With Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms Syndrome in a 35-Year-Old Man With Epilepsy

Abstract

The Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms syndrome describes a hypersensitivity reaction to a number of drugs. It is characterized by a triad of fever, rash, and internal organ involvement.

Carbamazepine is suspected to be the cause of the Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms syndrome in this young man who presented with fulminant hepatitis and an exfoliating rash 8 weeks after starting carbamazepine. Symptoms gradually resolved after stopping carbamazepine and starting systemic steroids.

Because we encountered only a few similar cases in the literature, we wish to highlight the importance of recognizing these symptoms as a syndrome that can be fatal, especially if not recognized early.