Document Details Document Type : Article In Journal  Document Title : Potentially Serious Lamotrigine-Related Skin Rash. الطفح الجلدى الناتج من علاج الاميكتال   Document Language : English  Abstract : Background: Lamotrigine (LTG) can be associated with an idiosyncratic, immune mediated, hypersensitivity skin rash. It can evolve to Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), particularly if used with valproic acid (VPA). Our objective is to report our experience with LTG-related skin rash in children with epilepsy. Methods: Series of consecutive children with epilepsy treated with LTG were identified prospectively over a 5-year period ending 1/10/2005 at King Abdulaziz University Hospital and King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Follow up by one neurologist was performed. Results: Of 207 children on LTG, 15 (7.2%) developed a skin rash with ages ranging between 3-12 years (mean 7.5). LTG was used as monotherapy in 3/15 and as add on in 12/15, mostly (10/15) in addition to VPA. The rash was mild with complete recovery in 7 children (47%). The remaining 8 (3.9% of the total) had severe rash that necessitated admission to hospital. Seven out of these 8 children were also receiving VPA. One child had superimposed secondary bacterial infection and admitted for intravenous antibiotics. Two children recovered slowly with extensive post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. SJS was diagnosed in 5 children (2.4% of the total). One of these 5 children had progressive symptoms that evolved to toxic epidermal necrolysis. He required prolonged intensive care admission and developed sepsis with disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. He deteriorated despite of supportive therapy and died 5 weeks after the initiation of LTG therapy. Conclusions: Lamotrigine is a novel antiepileptic drug with a favorable therapeutic profile and good tolerability. LTG-related skin rash is a potentially serious adverse event that should be carefully monitored. Although the risk is small, it should be weighed against the potential benefits, particularly in children on VPA.  ISSN : 0379-5284  Journal Name : Neurosciences Journal  Volume : 1  Issue Number : 12  Publishing Year : 2007 AH 2007 AD  Article Type : Article  Added Date : Saturday, March 13, 2010  Researchers Researcher Name (Arabic) Researcher Name (English) Researcher Type Dr Grade Email محمد جان jan, Mohammed Researcher Doctorate   Files File Name Type Description  25895.doc doc   Back To Researches Page