Addressing DRESS (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms)

Catherine M. McGrath*, Karamjit Khangura

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The syndrome of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is the manifestation of a severe idiosyncratic drug-induced reaction with variable latency period. DRESS occurs in one in 1000 to one in 10000 of drug exposures with high rates of long-term sequelae and mortality of around 10%. There are several classes of drugs historically associated with DRESS - aromatic antiepileptics such as carbamazepine and related compounds, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, antiretroviral drugs and antibiotics as well as drugs such as sulfasalazine, allopurinol and dapsone. There is growing recognition of the role of genetic predisposition. Implicated alleles can sometimes be used for predrug screening. DRESS can be associated with reactivation of human herpes viruses, which may be important in a prolonged and severe disease course. Prompt recognition of DRESS, withdrawal of the suspect drug under clinical supervision and supportive care are vital.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1139-1142
Number of pages4
JournalAdverse Drug Reaction Bulletin
Volume295
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2015

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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