Rashes and other hypersensitivity reactions associated with antiepileptic drugs: A review of current literature

Antiseizure medication-induced hypersensitivity reactions: Data from a large healthcare system

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Data on hypersensitivity reactions (HR) to individual anti-seizure medications (ASMs), and reactions to additional ASMs, is often limited by sample size. This data is vital in helping clinicians identify initial and subsequent ASMs to use in treating persons with epilepsy (PWE). Using a very large dataset, our study attempts to quantify the occurrence of HR across 31 different ASMs. We also attempt to investigate whether certain pairs of ASMs are associated with a higher frequency of HR.

METHODS

The Slicer-Dicer tool in the Epic electronic medical records system was used to analyze patients seen between 2012 and 2022 at a large healthcare system in Kentucky with recorded exposures to 31 different ASMs. Incidence of HR with these ASMs were identified, both with single drugs or pairs of drugs, as well as incidence of HR stratified by sex and ASM structure.

RESULTS

A total of 573,571 patients with 967,168 exposures were analyzed. Phenobarbital had the highest rate of HR at 12.9 %. Usage of aromatic ASMs were most associated with patients having HR to other ASMs. HR to 13/31 studied ASMs was more likely to occur in females, while HR was more likely in males with lacosamide. Aromatic ASMs were more likely (p < 0.0001) to be associated with HR compared to non-aromatic ASMs. Carbamazepine and the related drugs oxcarbazepine and eslicarbazepine were associated with the greatest number of drug pairings in which the patient had HR to both medications at any time point.

DISCUSSION

Our data reveals important patterns in HR to ASMs that may be valuable to clinicians treating PWE. Clinicians should monitor closely for HR when beginning a new ASM in a patient who has taken an aromatic ASM, especially carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, or eslicarbazepine as well as phenobarbital.

Clues of HLAs, metabolic SNPs, and epigenetic factors in T cell-mediated drug hypersensitivity reactions

Drug hypersensitivities are common reactions due to immunologic responses. They are of utmost importance because they may generate severe and fatal outcomes. Some drugs may cause Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs), such as drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs), which can occur due to the interaction of intact drugs or their metabolites with Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLAs) and T cell receptors (TCRs). This type develops over a period of 24-72 h after exposure and is classified as type IV of DHRs. Acute generalized exanthematic pustulosis (AGEP), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) are types of Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCARs). In this review, we aim to discuss the types of ADRs, the mechanisms involved in their development, and the role of immunogenetic factors, such as HLAs in type IV DHRs, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and some epigenetic modifications, e.g., DNA/histone methylation in a variety of genes and their promoters which may predispose subjects to DHRs. In conclusion, development of promising novel in vitro or in vivo diagnostic and prognostic markers is essential for identifying susceptible subjects or providing treatment protocols to work up patients with drug allergies as personalized medicine.

Comparative analysis of adverse drug reactions associated with new antiseizure medications from the Korea Adverse Event Reporting System database

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare and characterize the safety profiles of new antiseizure medications (ASMs) using a nationwide pharmacovigilance database from a long-term perspective in Korea.

METHODS

We reviewed adverse event reports from the Korea Adverse Event Reporting System database between January 2013 and December 2022 for descriptive analysis of six new ASMs (lacosamide, levetiracetam, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, topiramate, and zonisamide). We investigated the frequency and characteristics of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) based on the MedDRA terminology, system organ classes, and modified WHO classification.

RESULTS

We identified 5,733 reported cases of ADRs. The commonly reported ADRs associated with total ASMs were rash/urticaria (1,822, 31.8 %), dizziness (409, 7.1 %), somnolence/drowsiness (311, 5.4 %), and hepatotoxic effects (273, 4.8 %). Type B (idiosyncratic) effects (2,932; 51.1 %) were more commonly reported than Type A (related to known drug mechanisms) effects (2,613; 45.6 %). Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders and type B effects were most commonly reported for lamotrigine and oxcarbazepine, whereas nervous system disorders and type A effects were most commonly reported for lacosamide, topiramate, and zonisamide. The pediatric group (<18 years) exhibited skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders and type B effects relatively more frequently than the adult and older adult groups.

CONCLUSION

Hypersensitivity skin reactions and type B effects remained significant ADRs in the new ASMs; however, type A effects were more commonly reported in some ASMs. The pediatric group showed a higher rate of type B effects. Overall, new ASMs should also be used with caution.

Clinical observation and analysis of rash caused by lacosamide in children with epilepsy

PURPOSE

To draw clinical attention to rashes caused by lacosamide.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis included patients admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University between January 2021 and September 2023. We focused on patients who developed rashes after lacosamide treatment and analyzed all patients who exhibited rashes after lacosamide treatment to analyze the risk factors.

RESULTS

In total, 190 patients received lacosamide, of whom four developed allergies (2.1 %). Three patients had severe rashes, and two patients had high fever. All of these adverse events improved after the withdrawal of lacosamide. Of the 13 patients reported to date, including the four patients in this study, eight used various antiseizure medicines, including seven patients who used four or more antiseizure medicines. Four patients underwent testing for HLA-B*1502, and two patients were positive. Patients developed rashes within 1-10 days after treatment initiation, and the duration of the rash ranged 2-37 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Lacosamide-induced rash was detected in 2.1 % of patients in our cohort. Rashes are potentially serious, and prompt evaluation is required. Rashes are more likely to occur when multiple antiseizure medicines are used simultaneously, typically within 10 days of treatment initiation.

Pregabalin-induced delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction occurring after 40 days of use: a case report

Pregabalin is the first-line treatment for neuropathic pain. Cases of cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions caused by pregabalin generally occur within 2 weeks of initiating medication. We report a rare case of a delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction caused by pregabalin, which was confirmed by a drug provocation test. A 72-year-old man with severe herpes zoster neuralgia developed maculopapular drug eruption covering 80% to 90% of his total body surface area after 40 days of combined multidrug analgesia. A drug provocation test for pregabalin was positive. The time interval between initiating medication and the onset of the patient's rash was the longest and he also had the largest area of skin affected compared with patients with a similar condition in previous related reports. Remaining vigilant for possible adverse cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions during treatment is important because of the long-term course of pregabalin treatment for neuropathic pain.

Immunological Mechanisms in Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are an inherent aspect of drug use. While approximately 80% of ADRs are predictable, immune system-mediated ADRs, often unpredictable, are a noteworthy subset. Skin-related ADRs, in particular, are frequently unpredictable. However, the wide spectrum of skin manifestations poses a formidable diagnostic challenge. Comprehending the pathomechanisms underlying ADRs is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management. The skin, being an active immune organ, plays a pivotal role in ADRs, although the precise cutaneous immunological mechanisms remain elusive. Fortunately, clinical manifestations of skin-related ADRs, irrespective of their severity, are frequently rooted in immunological processes. A comprehensive grasp of ADR morphology can aid in diagnosis. With the continuous development of new pharmaceuticals, it is noteworthy that certain drugs including immune checkpoint inhibitors have gained notoriety for their association with ADRs. This paper offers an overview of immunological mechanisms involved in cutaneous ADRs with a focus on clinical features and frequently implicated drugs.

[Drug allergy: Fundamental aspects in diagnosis and treatment.]

BACKGROUND

Any substance used as a treatment for any disease can produce harmful or unpleasant events called adverse drug reactions (ADRs). They are due to inherent biological effects of the drug and are caused by immunological and non-immunological mechanisms.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the immunological mechanisms of hypersensitivity reactions (HSR) to drugs, their epidemiology, risk factors, classification, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

METHODS

A review of the most current literature in English and Spanish was carried out, in the main databases, related to the HSR of various drug groups.

RESULTS

This study describes the terms used to define ADRs and HSRs, their classification and clinical manifestations, current diagnostic tools, treatment algorithms and prognosis of the most frequently used medications and with the highest prevalence of reported adverse events.

CONCLUSION

ADRs are a challenging entity, with a complex pathophysiology that has not been fully understood. Its approach requires a careful consideration since not all drugs have validated tests for their diagnosis nor a specific treatment. When indicating the use of any drug, the severity of the disease, the availability of other treatments and the potential risks of developing future adverse events should always be taken into consideration.

Epilepsy, Immunity and Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Several studies have focused on the emerging role of immunity and inflammation in a wide range of neurological disorders. Autoimmune diseases involving central nervous system share well defined clinical features including epileptic seizures and additional neuropsychiatric symptoms, like cognitive and psychiatric disturbances. The growing evidence about the role of immunity in the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying these conditions lead to the concept of autoimmune epilepsy. This relatively-new term has been introduced to highlight the etiological and prognostic implications of immunity in epileptogenesis. In this review, we aim to discuss the role of autoimmunity in epileptogenesis and its clinical, neurophysiological, neuroimaging and therapeutic implications. Moreover, we wish to address the close relationship between immunity and additional symptoms, particularly cognitive and psychiatric features, which deeply impact clinical outcomes in these patients. To assess these aspects, we first analyzed Rasmussen's encephalitis. Subsequently, we have covered autoimmune encephalitis, particularly those associated with autoantibodies against surface neuronal antigens, as these autoantibodies express a direct immune-mediated mechanism, different from those against intracellular antigens. Then, we discussed the connection between systemic immune disorders and neurological manifestations. This review aims to highlight the need to expand knowledge about the role of inflammation and autoimmunity in the pathophysiology of neurological disorders and the importance to early recognize these clinical entities. Indeed, early identification may result in faster recovery and a better prognosis.

Antiepileptic Drug Adverse Cutaneous Reaction in Childhood

Antiepileptic drug (AED) side effects can result in treatment failure, morbidity, and mortality. Adverse cutaneous drug reactions (ACRs) frequently occur within the first 2 to 3 months of drug use. We wanted to discuss antiepileptic ACRs in childhood in this study. This was a study of 37 pediatric patients who were diagnosed with ACR and treated with AED in the last 5 years. Over a 5-year period, 37 (1.8%) of the 2,064 epilepsy patients had ACRs. There were 23 (62%) male patients and 14 (38%) female patients. Patients had a median age of 6 years (interquartile range: [IQR]: 3.5–10). The ACRs occurred in a median of 20 (IQR: 14–30) days. There were 28 (75%) patients receiving monotherapy and 9 (25%) patients receiving polytherapy. Overall, 22 (59.5%) of the 37 patients used aromatic drugs (AD), while 15 (40.5%) used nonaromatic drugs (NAD). Morbilliform eruptions accounted for the majority of ACRs (84%). Valproic acid (54%) was the most frequently used AED that resulted in ACRs. There was no significant difference in terms of eruption time, gender, or age between AD and NAD. Within 1 to 2 months of initiating a new AED, patients should be closely monitored for ACRs. If an ACR develops for one AED, greater caution should be taken when initiating the other AED. Although it is well established that ADs cause more skin reactions, we found that one of the NADs, valproic acid, causes more skin reactions.

Incidence of Anti-Seizure Medication-Induced Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions in Malaysia

Anti-seizure medication (ASM) can potentially cause severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR), and certain ASM-induced SCAR is associated with specific HLA alleles. This caused a change in ASM prescribing pattern, which may influence the incidence of ASM-induced SCAR. Thus, we aimed to determine the incidence of ASM-induced SCAR and its change over 15 years (2006-2019) in Malaysia. This retrospective analysis combined ASM-induced SCAR cases from the national Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) database in the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), ASM-drug utilisation data from the Malaysian Statistics of Medicine, and prescribing data from UMMC, a national level tertiary hospital to calculate ASM-induced SCAR incidence in Malaysia. We observed an upward trend in reported ASM-induced SCAR cases from 28 cases in 2006 to 92 in 2016. The incidence of carbamazepine (CBZ)-induced SCAR increased from 7.5 per 1,000 person-year (2006) to 17.8 per 1,000 person-year (2016) but dropped to 7.2 per 1,000 person-year (2019) subsequently. Concurrently, there was an increase in the incidence of SCAR secondary to phenytoin and lamotrigine. The prevalent users of CBZ had reduced from 22.8% (2006) to 14.1% (2016), whereas the levetiracetam and sodium valproate users increased by 5.5% and 4.8%, respectively. The incidence of CBZ-induced SCAR had reduced since 2016, probably related to the implementation of HLA-B*1502 screening in Malaysia or substitution of CBZ with other ASM. However, this was accompanied with an increase of SCAR incidence related to phenytoin and lamotrigine. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Review of Diagnosis and Management

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are rare diseases that are characterized by widespread epidermal necrosis and sloughing of skin. They are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and early diagnosis and treatment is critical in achieving favorable outcomes for patients. In this scoping review, Excerpta Medica dataBASE and PubMed were searched for publications that addressed recent advances in the diagnosis and management of the disease. Multiple proteins (galectin 7 and RIP3) were identified that are promising potential biomarkers for SJS/TEN, although both are still in early phases of research. Regarding treatment, cyclosporine is the most effective therapy for the treatment of SJS, and a combination of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and corticosteroids is most effective for SJS/TEN overlap and TEN. Due to the rare nature of the disease, there is a lack of prospective, randomized controlled trials and conducting these in the future would provide valuable insights into the management of this disease.

A narrative review of the importance of pharmacokinetics and drug-drug interactions of preventive therapies in migraine management

Objective

To review the pharmacokinetics of major classes of migraine preventives and the clinical implications of drug–drug interactions (DDIs) with the use of these therapies in migraine management.

Background

Preventive treatments for migraine are recommended for a large proportion of patients with frequent migraine attacks. These patients often exhibit a number of comorbidities, which may lead to the introduction of multiple concomitant therapies. Potential DDIs must be considered when using polytherapy to avoid increased risk of adverse events (AEs) or inadequate treatment of comorbid conditions.

Methods

A literature search was performed to identify pharmacokinetic properties and potential DDIs of beta‐blockers, antiepileptic drugs, antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, gepants, and monoclonal antibody therapies targeting the calcitonin gene‐related peptide pathway with medications that may be used for comorbid conditions.

Results

Most DDIs occur through alterations in cytochrome P450 isoenzyme activity and may be complicated by genetic polymorphism for metabolic enzymes. Additionally, drug metabolism may be altered by grapefruit juice ingestion and smoking. The use of migraine preventive therapies may exacerbate symptoms of comorbid conditions or increase the risk of AEs associated with comorbid conditions as a result of DDIs.

Conclusions

DDIs are important to consider in patients with migraine who use multiple medications. The development of migraine‐specific evidence‐based preventive treatments allows for tailored clinical management that reduces the risk of DDIs and associated AEs in patients with comorbidities.

Recognition and Management of Severe Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions (Including Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis)

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions to medications (SCARs) include drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis. They are all non-immunoglobulin E mediated hypersensitivity reaction patterns, distinguished from simple cutaneous drug eruptions by immunologic pathogenesis and internal organ involvement. Herein the clinical features, diagnostic workup, and management considerations are presented for each of these major SCARs.

Pediatric adverse reactions to antiseizure medications - An analysis of data from the Italian spontaneous reporting system (2001-2019)

INTRODUCTION

Spontaneous reports of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a valuable supplement to clinical studies in informing about the safety of medications. This is especially relevant for pediatric populations, which are not often included in large-scale clinical trials.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate patterns of pediatric ADRs to antiseizure medications (ASMs) reported to the Italian Spontaneous Reporting System (SRS) database during the period November 1, 2001─May 31, 2019.

METHODS

Suspected ADRs ascribed to medications listed under ATC code N03, plus clobazam (code N05BA09), and affecting individuals below age 18 years were sourced from the Italian SRS database, categorized based on a modification of the MedDRA® high-level term, and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

A total of 956 reports listing a total of 1806 ADRs ascribed to one or more ASMs were received for individuals in pediatric age. The most commonly reported ADRs were skin rashes (24.0% of all reports), epileptic seizures (12.6%), gastrointestinal disturbances (11.8%), and somnolence (10.6%). A more detailed analysis was conducted on 675 reports listing a single ASM as suspected drug and occurring in patients with a specified or presumed diagnosis of epilepsy. Adverse drug reaction patterns differed widely across ASMs. Skin rashes were the most commonly reported ADR for lamotrigine (62.3%), carbamazepine (50.3%), phenobarbital (42.3%), and oxcarbazepine (33.0%). Other most commonly reported ADRs were gastrointestinal symptoms for ethosuximide (44%), irritability/aggression for levetiracetam (25.0%), epileptic seizures for valproic acid (16.1%), fever (often associated with hypohidrosis) for topiramate (17.9%), and utilization error (mostly accidental drug administration) for clonazepam (34.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Patterns of spontaneous ADR reports are indicative of major differences in safety profile among individual ASMs. Most, but not all, frequently reported ADRs were in line with findings from clinical trials and observational studies.

A new rapid titration protocol for lamotrigine that reduces the risk of skin rash

Objective

Lamotrigine is one of the most widely used antiepileptic drugs, but it has a critical issue of a skin rash if the starting dose is too high or the escalation rate is too rapid. We investigated the efficacy and safety of a novel and rapid titration protocol for lamotrigine that takes only 11 days to reach a daily dose of 200 mg.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 33 adult patients (age 18‐85) who were diagnosed with epilepsy and started lamotrigine administration for the first time at a single tertiary hospital. Our new protocol starts with a subthreshold dose of the drug and then administers a stepwise‐incremental dose until reaching the full therapeutic dose within 11 days.

Results

Of 29 patients analyzed, only two (6.9%) experienced idiosyncratic skin rash before the first follow‐up visit at 2 weeks (±3 days). In addition, a therapeutic concentration was reached in more than 75% of studied patients after 2 weeks of lamotrigine administration.

Significance

These findings demonstrate the value of the novel tolerance induction protocol for lamotrigine, which could widen the available application of lamotrigine in various situations. However, this study is a preliminary study limited by a small number of patients and its nonrandomized and open‐label design, so the current protocol needs more rigorous clinical evaluations before the application to the real clinical setting.