A patch testing and cross-sensitivity study of carbamazepine-induced severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2013 Mar;27(3):356-64. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2011.04418.x. Epub 2012 Jan 3.

Abstract

Background: The usefulness of the drug patch testing for Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) is still controversial. Recent studies have shown that HLA-B*1502 is strongly associated with CBZ-SJS/TEN in Chinese and Southeast Asian populations.

Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of patch tests for patients with carbamazepine (CBZ)-induced SJS, TEN and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) and the cross-reactivity in patch tests among the aromatic antiepileptic drugs.

Methods: We measure the frequency of positive patch test reactions and cross-sensitivity to structure-related aromatic anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) for patients after SJS/TEN or DRESS episodes caused by CBZ. CBZ and other structure-related AEDs used for patch testing were prepared in 10% and 30% petrolatum. Secondary measures included the association of HLA-B*1502 genotype and frequency of possible side effects from the patch tests.

Results: Positive patch test reactions to 30% CBZ in the CBZ-SJS/TEN were 62.5% (10/16), and 70% (7/10) in the CBZ-DRESS. None of the 10 healthy controls displayed a positive reaction to tested agents. Cross-sensitivity to other aromatic AEDs was observed in both the CBZ-SJS/TEN and the CBZ-DRESS. Only the HLA-B*1502 genotype was present and strongly associated with the CBZ-SJS/TEN, but not with the CBZ-DRESS.

Conclusion: Drug patch testing is a safe and useful method for the identification of CBZ as the culprit drug of SJS/TEN as well as DRESS. Testing of chemically or pharmacologically related AEDs may provide information on cross-reactivity for these patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carbamazepine / adverse effects*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
  • Humans
  • Patch Tests*
  • Skin / drug effects*

Substances

  • Carbamazepine