Reversible renal failure and myositis caused by phenytoin hypersensitivity
J. R. Michael and W. E. Mitch
A 38-year old woman receiving phenytoin (diphenylhydantoin) noticed
maculopapular erythema as the first manifestation of a syndrome that
included acute renal failure and myositis in addition to fever,
lymphadenopathy, exfoliative dermatitis, and hepatitis. Prednisolone sodium
phosphate therapy resulted in resolution of this hypersensitivity reaction,
and she recovered from renal insufficiency. The occurrence of renal failure
and myositis in the spectrum of phenytoin hypersensitivity reactions is
discussed, and the importance of a morbilliform rash in a patient receiving
phenytoin is emphasized.
