Stevens-Johnson syndrome induced by levetiracetam

摘要

The Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a life-threatening skin condition caused by a hypersensitivity complex, which affects the skin and the mucous membranes. This syndrome is closely related to the application of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).1 Most cases are caused by aromatic AEDs, such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, lamotrigine, and other aromatic drugs.2 Levetiracetam (LEV), the S-enantiomer of a-ethyl-2-oxo-l -pyrrolidine acetamide, is an AED with a novel mechanism of action.3 Arif et al. reviewed 1890 cases and determined the predictors and relative incidences of AED-related rash in patients who take 15 different AEDs. In that study, 0.6% of the patients who started LEV treatment developed rashes.4 To the best of our knowledge, the current paper presents the first case report on LEV therapy-induced SJS in a child. LEV-induced cutaneous drug eruptions are rare. However, the case discussed in this work may be useful for AED selection and counseling of individual patients.