Valproic acid induced Stevens–Johnson syndrome

Abstract

A 27-year-old transgender female at the stage of gender transition with bipolar disorder for which she received valproic acid developed multiple petechial rashes on the chest, upper and lower extremities, local erythematous lesions with forming blisters, large-platelet peeling on the face, neck, chest and inguinal area, erosion on the oral mucosa. She was diagnosed with drug eruption, Stevens–Johnson syndrome. The diagnosis was verified on the basis of complaints, medical history, clinical picture, laboratory findings. Treatment included valproic acid withdrawal, dexamethasone, infusion therapy, vancomycin, cyclosporine A. Against the background of the therapy, skin condition was improved: there was the epithelization of ulcerative defects and the absence of new elements.