Lamotrigine-associated anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome in bipolar disorder

Case report: Progressive skin rash and lymphadenopathy associated with lamotrigine−valproic acid combination in a bipolar adolescent

Background: Lamotrigine may cause severe skin reactions. There is a known interaction between lamotrigine and valproic acid with an increase in lamotrigine levels and lamotrigine toxicity risk. Few cases of severe rash and systemic reactions in bipolar patients using lamotrigine and valproate have been reported. Here, we report a rare case of severe skin rash and lymphadenopathy associated with lamotrigine−valproic acid combination.

Case presentation: An 18-year-old female adolescent with bipolar disorder type I was treated with lamotrigine, magnesium valproate, and perospirone for 12 days. After the last dose of lamotrigine, she abruptly developed generalized rash and swollen lymph nodes, which continued to progress over the next 3 days. This finally subsided after stopping valproate and with glucocorticoid treatment.

Conclusion: This case suggests that lamotrigine−valproic acid combination may cause not only rash but also lymphadenopathy. Even though the aforementioned reactions appear after the last dose of lamotrigine, it cannot be ruled out as suspicious. We recommend caution during titration of lamotrigine and valproate and early withdrawal of both when signs of hypersensitivity appear.

Lamotrigine-induced neutropenia after high-dose concomitant initiation with phenytoin

Lamotrigine has been repeatedly reported to cause hematologic toxicities, which may be associated with high initial doses or excessive escalation. A 29-year-old lady experienced profound neutropenia after two weeks of lamotrigine high initial dose, started within two days of phenytoin. The too-early dose intensification may have produced lamotrigine-induced blood dyscrasia.

Safety profile of lamotrigine in overdose

BACKGROUND

Lamotrigine is an anticonvulsant as well as a mood stabilizer. Apart from its established use in the treatment of epilepsy, there has been an expansion of its use in the treatment of mental disorders. Patients with epilepsy as well as those with mental disorders are at increased risk of deliberate drug overdoses. An evidence base for the safety profile of lamotrigine in overdose is an essential tool for prescribers. The objective of this study was to carry out a narrative synthesis of the existing evidence for the safety profile of lamotrigine in overdose.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted of EMBASE (1974 to December 2015), MEDLINE (1946 to December 2015), PsycINFO (1806 to December 2015) and CINAHL (1981 to December 2015) databases. Studies were included in which there was a deliberate or accidental single drug overdose of lamotrigine, with its toxic effects described. Studies that did not involve an overdose were excluded. A narrative synthesis of the described toxic effects was carried out.

RESULTS

Out of 562 articles identified, 26 studies were included, mainly in the form of case reports and series. The most commonly described toxic effects of lamotrigine were on the central nervous system, specifically seizures, movement disorders and reduced consciousness. Other toxic effects included QTc interval and QRS complex prolongations, hypersensitivity reactions, serotonin syndrome as well as rhabdomyolysis possibly due to seizures and/or agitation. Deaths were recorded in two studies, with cardiovascular and neurological toxic effects described.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though lamotrigine has been reported to be well tolerated, there is a risk of toxic effects which can be life threatening in overdose. This needs to be borne in mind when prescribing to patients at an increased risk of deliberate drug overdose.

Bronchiolitis obliterans organising pneumonia associated with anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome induced by lamotrigine

A 14-year-old girl who was known to have a seizure disorder and on lamotrigine treatment was admitted to the hospital, with a history of rash, fever and cough. Her condition deteriorated with clinical features suggestive of anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome (ACHS) complicated with bronchiolitis obliterans organising pneumonia (BOOP). Her chest CT showed multifocal parenchymal opacities and lung biopsy was typical for BOOP. Initially, the lamotrigine was discontinued since the onset of the rash, then she was treated for pneumonia with antibiotics, which may have delayed the diagnosis. Eventually, BOOP was considered and she was treated with a high dose of corticosteroid. She improved clinically and her repeated chest CT showed a marked resolution of the lesions. This case illustrates the possible occurrence of BOOP as a complication of ACHS secondary to lamotrigine treatment.

Lamotrigine induced DIHS/DRESS: Manifestations, treatment, and outcome in 57 patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical features, course, response to treatment, and outcome of lamotrigine induced drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS) or drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS).

METHODS

A comprehensive PubMed and Scopus search (covering the period from January 1999 through April 2014) of the English and non-English literature (with English abstract) was conducted to identify published reports of severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) associated with lamotrigine therapy.

RESULTS

This study population included 57 patients, of whom 38 (66.67%) were female and 19 (33.33%) were male. The latency period varied from 9 days to 120 days, with a mean of 27.58 ± 20.65 days. Multisystem involvement was present in 97.37% (37/38) patients. Systemic corticosteroids were administered to (61.29%) 19/31 patients. 35/38 (92.11%) patients recovered completely, one patient developed liver failure and needed liver transplant, one died from septic shock and one died from multiple organ failure.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a greater predominance of women with LTG-DIHS/DRESS, and 68.42% patients were >18 years of age. The presenting symptoms in most of patients were fever, skin rash, liver involvement, hypereosinophilia, and lymphadenopathy. Lamotrigine is associated to a rather high risk of severe cutaneous adverse reactions and to the risk of dying from such reactions, likes many other anticonvulsants. Early recognition and withdrawal of the suspected agent may avoid irreversible damage to the organs will be life saving.

Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms Syndrome Due to Anti-TB Medication

Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a severe, idiosyncratic, multi-system reaction characterized by the clinical triad of fever, rash, and internal organ involvement. The mortality rate is estimated to be 8%, especially among patients with liver involvement, so early recognition is imperative. Drugs commonly associated with the development of DRESS syndrome include anticonvulsants, long-acting sulfonamides, and anti-inflammatory medications; however, there are no reported cases implicating anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) medications. We report a case of DRESS syndrome from anti-TB therapy. A 68-year-old male with pulmonary TB presented with pruritic skin eruption and sore throat, 8 weeks after starting Rifampin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol (RIPE) therapy. He takes metformin and glyburide for diabetes. Physical exam was significant for diffuse, exfoliative erythematous macules with target lesions involving the entire skin surface, without mucosal involvement. Laboratory data was significant for mild transaminitis and new onset eosinophilia. Given suspicion of drug eruption, RIPE therapy was discontinued. Skin biopsy confirmed erythema multiforme. Despite discontinuation of the implicated medications, eosinophilia and transaminitis continued to worsen, and so systemic corticosteroids were started. After 4 weeks of discontinuation of RIPE therapy, the cutaneous eruption resolved and laboratory data returned to normal. The patient is finishing course of anti-TB with cycloserine and moxifloxacin. Upon follow up as outpatient, the rash was resolving and disappeared in 1 month. DRESS syndrome is always considered when there is high eosinophil counts and multisystem involvement with skin eruptions. It can be potentially life threatening with certain drugs and infectious agents in predisposed individuals. It is imperative to discontinue the causative medication and avoid re-exposure.

Valproate as a risk factor for lamotrigine discontinuation

BACKGROUND

Although lamotrigine may be useful for treating bipolar depressive patients, some lamotrigine-associated adverse effects may prevent the continuation of treatment. The purpose of the present study was to identify risk factors for lamotrigine discontinuation after adjustment for several potential interactive factors.

METHODS

We examined tolerability in those who discontinued lamotrigine within 2 months of treatment and those who maintained lamotrigine for more than 2 months. Groups were examined separately because 6-8 weeks are necessary to titrate dose and drug eruptions can often occur within 2 months of treatment commencement.

RESULTS

Multiple regression analysis revealed that valproate combination was positively and significantly associated with lamotrigine discontinuation after adjustment for other factors.

LIMITATIONS

The limitations of the present study were retrospective observation and a relatively small number of subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings reconfirm that lamotrigine and valproate combination treatment may prevent the continuation of lamotrigine in some patients.

Adverse drug reactions induced by valproic acid

Valproic acid is a widely-used first-generation antiepileptic drug, prescribed predominantly in epilepsy and psychiatric disorders. VPA has good efficacy and pharmacoeconomic profiles, as well as a relatively favorable safety profile. However, adverse drug reactions have been reported in relation with valproic acid use, either as monotherapy or polytherapy with other antiepileptic drugs or antipsychotic drugs. This systematic review discusses valproic acid adverse drug reactions, in terms of hepatotoxicity, mitochondrial toxicity, hyperammonemic encephalopathy, hypersensitivity syndrome reactions, neurological toxicity, metabolic and endocrine adverse events, and teratogenicity.

Acute hypersensitivity syndrome caused by valproic Acid: a review of the literature and a case report

Valproic acid (VPA) is an antiepileptic medication used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Its toxicity profile is characterized by a very rare but well-documented complication-hepatotoxicity. The risk of acute hypersensitivity syndrome (AHS) caused by VPA is less well known. In the vast majority of reported cases of AHS, the syndrome is the result of aromatic anticonvulsants (AAs), such as carbamazepine or phenytoin. These compounds also have in-class cross-reactivity. We present the case of a 25-year-old woman with bipolar disorder who was unable to tolerate aripiprazole, ziprasidone, and lamotrigine. She was given extended-release VPA as a trial and developed AHS with a generalized rash, fever, liver and kidney involvement, and eosinophilia one week after the initiation of treatment. She recovered after one month of treatment, which included ten days of hospitalization. Our review of the literature focuses on AA and non-AA medications causing AHS.

The DRESS syndrome: a literature review

The Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptom (DRESS) is a severe adverse drug-induced reaction. Diagnosing DRESS is challenging due to the diversity of cutaneous eruption and organs involved. We used the RegiSCAR scoring system that grades DRESS cases as "no," "possible," "probable," or "definite" to classify cases reported in the literature. We also analyzed the clinical course and treatments of the cases. A total of 44 drugs were associated with the 172 cases reported between January 1997 and May 2009 in PubMed and MEDLINE. The most frequently reported drug was carbamazepine, and the vast majority of cases were classified as "probable/definite" DRESS cases. Hypereosinophilia, liver involvement, fever, and lymphadenopathy were significantly associated with "probable/definite" DRESS cases, whereas skin rash was described in almost all of the cases, including "possible cases." Culprit drug withdrawal and corticosteroids constituted the mainstay of DRESS treatment. The outcome was death in 9 cases. However, no predictive factors for serious cases were found. This better knowledge of DRESS may contribute to improve the diagnosis and management of this syndrome in clinical practice.

Lamotrigine-associated reversible severe hepatitis: a case report

INTRODUCTION

Anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome is a severe idiosyncratic reaction to antiepileptic drugs. We report a case of a woman with lamotrigine-associated hepatitis who recovered spontaneously with supportive treatment.

CASE REPORT

A 43-year-old woman was being treated with oxcarbazepine for depression and was started on lamotrigine 2 weeks prior to her presentation. The patient then developed nausea and a generalized pruritic macular rash, and was found to have elevated liver enzymes, which peaked at AST, 6079 IU/L; ALT, 6900 IU/L; total bilirubin, 3.9 mg/dL(66.7 micromol/L); alkaline phosphatase, 149 IU/L; international normalized ration (INR), 1.9. The patient showed no signs of encephalopathy and her clinical examination was essentially normal except for very mild jaundice and a diffuse erythematous pruritic macular rash. The patient was hydrated and managed with supportive care. On the third day of hospitalization, her liver enzymes had improved substantially and she was discharged. At follow-up 1 month later the patient's liver enzymes were within the normal range.

DISCUSSION

We hypothesize that lamotrigine was directly responsible for the patient's rash and liver impairment given the time sequence of drug introduction and resolution of symptoms and liver enzyme abnormality once the drug was withdrawn. The patient suffered severe transaminitis when lamotrigine was added to oxcarbazepine, which resolved after termination of the medication and supportive management. We recommend monitoring the hepatic function in patients who have just been initiated on lamotrigine, especially if they develop jaundice.

Anticonvulsant Hypersensitivity Syndrome: Implications for Pharmaceutical Care

Anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome (AHS) is a delayed adverse drug reaction associated with the use of aromatic anticonvulsant drugs. It has been most commonly reported with the use of phenytoin, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital. Although its occurrence is rare, 1 in every 1000-10,000 exposures, AHS is a serious adverse event often resulting in hospitalization and even death. The clinical manifestations of AHS include a triad of symptoms consisting of dermatologic rashes, fever, and evidence of systemic organ involvement. Diagnosis is most frequently based on the recognition of this triad of symptoms and clinical judgment. The exact mechanism of AHS remains to be determined but is thought to have at least three components: deficiency or abnormality of the epoxide hydroxylase enzyme that detoxifies the metabolites of aromatic amine anticonvulsants, associated reactivation of herpes-type viruses, and ethnic predisposition with certain human leukocyte antigen subtypes. Arene oxides, the toxic intermediaries in the metabolism of anticonvulsant drugs, can accumulate and directly bind to macromolecules, causing cell death, as well as act as prohaptens that bind to T cells, initiating an immune response and systemic reactions. Management of AHS primarily includes discontinuation of the associated anticonvulsant drug. Systemic corticosteroids are usually required for full recovery. An important issue regarding AHS is the cross-sensitivity among aromatic anticonvulsant drugs, which has been reported to be 40-80%. This means that patients with a history of AHS should avoid further use of any aromatic anticonvulsant drug. In addition, a familial association with AHS exists, and family members of the patient with AHS should be educated that they may be at increased risk for developing AHS if they use aromatic anticonvulsant drugs. Anticonvulsant drugs that are generally considered safe are valproic acid and benzodiazepines. Other nonaromatic anticonvulsant drugs should also be acceptable. Pharmacists as health care providers can play an important role in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of AHS.

Idiosyncratic adverse reactions to antiepileptic drugs

Idiosyncratic drug reactions may be defined as adverse effects that cannot be explained by the known mechanisms of action of the offending agent, do not occur at any dose in most patients, and develop mostly unpredictably in susceptible individuals only. These reactions are generally thought to account for up to 10% of all adverse drug reactions, but their frequency may be higher depending on the definition adopted. Idiosyncratic reactions are a major source of concern because they encompass most life-threatening effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), as well as many other reactions requiring discontinuation of treatment. Based on the underlying mechanisms, idiosyncratic reactions can be differentiated into (1) immune-mediated hypersensitivity reactions, which may range from benign skin rashes to serious conditions such as drug-related rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms; (2) reactions involving unusual nonimmune-mediated individual susceptibility, often related to abnormal production or defective detoxification of reactive cytotoxic metabolites (as in valproate-induced liver toxicity); and (3) off-target pharmacology, whereby a drug interacts directly with a system other than that for which it is intended, an example being some types of AED-induced dyskinesias. Although no AED is free from the potential of inducing idiosyncratic reactions, the magnitude of risk and the most common manifestations vary from one drug to another, a consideration that impacts on treatment choices. Serious consequences of idiosyncratic reactions can be minimized by knowledge of risk factors, avoidance of specific AEDs in subpopulations at risk, cautious dose titration, and careful monitoring of clinical response.