DRESS syndrome after lamotrigine and valproic acid use in a bipolar patient: a case report

Abstract Background and objectives Cutaneous adverse reactions are one of the commonest possible side effects of medication, and Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is one example. This potentially lethal syndrome usually presents with fever, rash and internal organ involvement which can begin sometime after the start of the offending drug. Its management commonly consists on the suspension of the offending agent and corticosteroid therapy. The authors present a clinical case of a DRESS reaction to mood stabilizers. Methods A case is described of a female patient with bipolar disorder type 1 who developed a DRESS Syndrome through valproic acid use, and which recovered after clinical management. Results This case represents the typical clinical case of a presentation of this rare syndrome which is usually linked to aromatic anticonvulsants use but more rarely may also appear with the use of non-aromatic anticonvulsants like valproic acid. Conclusion With this article the authors want to share a clinical case of this rare syndrome while highlighting the need for clinicians to be aware and alert the patients of this possible cutaneous adverse reaction to psychiatric drugs.