Fixed Drug Eruptions: An Update, Emphasizing the Potentially Lethal Generalized Bullous Fixed Drug Eruption

Poikilodermatous Plaque-like Hemangioma: Case Presentation and Literature Review

Poikilodermatous plaque-like hemangioma (PPH) is a recently described clinical and pathological entity, with only 18 cases reported in the literature. Although uncommon, this benign condition presents consistent clinical and histological findings. We present a new case of PPH in an 81-year-old male and review the existing literature. The persistence over time and the need to distinguish PPH from more significant lesions underscore the importance of its clinical and pathological recognition.

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), which include Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (also known as drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, and generalized bullous fixed drug eruption, are life-threatening conditions. The pathogenesis of SCARs involves T cell receptors recognizing drug antigens presented by human leukocyte antigens, triggering the activation of distinct T cell subsets. These cells interact with keratinocytes and various immune cells, orchestrating cutaneous lesions and systemic manifestations. Genetic predisposition, impaired drug metabolism, viral reactivation or infections, and heterologous immunity influence SCAR development and clinical presentation. Specific genetic associations with distinct SCAR phenotypes have been identified, leading to the implementation of genetic screening before prescription in various countries to prevent SCARs. Whilst systemic corticosteroids and conventional immunomodulators have been the primary therapeutic agents, evolving strategies, including biologics and small molecules targeting tumour necrosis factor, different cytokines, or Janus kinase signalling pathways, signify a shift towards a precision management paradigm that considers individual clinical presentations.

Fixed Sunlight Eruption: A Series of 13 Cases in Bogotá, Columbia

Few reports describing an association between UV radiation and fixed skin eruptions have been published since 1975. These reactions have received various names, including fixed sunlight eruption, fixed exanthema due to UV radiation, and broad-spectrum abnormal localized photosensitivity syndrome. We present a series of 13 patients (4 men [30.8%] and 9 women [69.2%]) aged between 28 and 56 years who were evaluated for fixed eruptions induced by UV radiation at a dermatology referral hospital in Bogotá, Colombia. The lesions were located on the inner thighs, buttocks, popliteal region, anterior and posterior axilla, and dorsum of the feet. Photoprovocation reproduced lesions in all the affected areas, and histopathology showed changes similar to those seen in fixed drug eruptions. While these UV-provoked reactions may be a type of fixed skin eruption, we cannot rule out that they may also be a distinct condition that simply shares a pathogenic mechanism with fixed eruptions.

[Translated article] Fixed Sunlight Eruption: A Series of 13 Cases in Bogotá, Colombia

Few reports describing an association between UV radiation and fixed skin eruptions have been published since 1975. These reactions have received various names, including fixed sunlight eruption, fixed exanthema due to UV radiation, and broad-spectrum abnormal localized photosensitivity syndrome. We present a series of 13 patients (4 men [30.8%] and 9 women [69.2%]) aged between 28 and 56 years who were evaluated for fixed eruptions induced by UV radiation at a dermatology referral hospital in Bogotá, Colombia. The lesions were located on the inner thighs, buttocks, popliteal region, anterior and posterior axilla, and dorsum of the feet. Photoprovocation reproduced lesions in all the affected areas, and histopathology showed changes similar to those seen in fixed drug eruptions. While these UV-provoked reactions may be a type of fixed skin eruption, we cannot rule out that they may also be a distinct condition that simply shares a pathogenic mechanism with fixed eruptions.

Alogliptin Induced Stomatitis: An Adverse Drug Event Case Report

Background: Dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors are commonly used agents to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Although generally well tolerated, stomatitis has been previously reported as an adverse event with sitagliptin and linagliptin. Stomatitis with alogliptin has not been reported in post-marketing data to date. Objective: To report a case of suspected drug-induced stomatitis in a patient who received alogliptin for T2DM which resolved upon discontinuation of the offending agent. Summary: A 60-year-old male with T2DM began treatment with a DPP-4 inhibitor, alogliptin. After 4 doses of alogliptin, the patient reported inflammation and irritation along the lateral borders of his tongue, along with open fissures and oral ulcerations on the dorsal surface of the mucosa. He was subsequently diagnosed with stomatitis. Patient discontinued alogliptin and reported improvement in symptoms within 48 hours. Lesions re-epithelialized within 4 weeks after cessation of alogliptin. The Naranjo Algorithm was used to assess causality. The total score was 7, which when interpreted, implicates alogliptin as a "probable" cause of the reaction. Conclusion: A causality assessment determined alogliptin was a "probable" cause of stomatitis experienced by this patient. This adverse effect has not been reported with alogliptin to the authors' knowledge.

New insight into the causal relationship between Graves' disease liability and drug eruption: a Mendelian randomization study

Background

Graves' disease (GD) and drug eruption are closely associated and frequently observed in the clinical setting. However, it remains unclear whether a causal relationship exists between these two conditions. The aim of the study is to investigate whether GD is causal to drug eruptions using two-sample Mendelian randomization.

Methods

We launched a two-sample MR to investigate whether GD is causal to drug eruption using Genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data from Biobank Japan and FinnGen. Genetic variants were used as instrumental variables to avoid confounding bias. Statistical methods including inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, MR-Egger, and MR-PRESSO were conducted to identify the robustness of the causal effect.

Results

Genetically predicted GD may increase the risk of drug eruption by 30.3% (OR=1.303, 95% CI 1.119-1.516, p<0.001) in the Asian population. In European populations, GD may increase the generalized drug eruption by 15.9% (OR=1.159, 95%CI 0.982-1.367, p=0.080).

Conclusions

We found GD is potentially causal to drug eruption. This finding expanded the view of the frequently observed co-existence of GD and adverse drug reactions involving the skin. The mechanism remains for further investigation.

Cutaneous drug reaction secondary to antitubercular regimen: A case report from Nepal

Cutaneous adverse drug reactions are known side effects of first-line antitubercular therapy, which ranges from mild pruritus to life-threatening toxic epidermal necrolysis. Severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions can lead to antitubercular therapy discontinuation and further complicates tuberculosis treatment. Here we present the case of a 49-year-old obese male who developed a generalized maculopapular rash within 24 hours of initiation of therapy followed by bullae over palms in 3 days. Antitubercular therapy was immediately discontinued, and he was managed with antihistamines, intravenous fluid, and electrolyte supplementation. He was discharged on antihistamines, a short course of systemic steroids, moxifloxacin, and bedaquiline (second-line antitubercular therapy (ATT)). Proper guidelines about rechallenge therapy will enormously aid in managing cutaneous adverse drug reactions, and efficient treatment of tuberculosis in these patients, and ceasing its progression to multisystemic complications. This article aims to discuss the presentation and management of cutaneous adverse drug reactions in the setting of Nepal.

Chlorthalidone-Induced Fixed-Drug Eruption: Unmasking an Uncommon Reaction to a Common Diuretic

Fixed-drug eruptions (FDEs) are dermatological reactions characterized by specific skin lesions triggered by certain medications. Our case reports commonly used medications that can cause drug-induced skin reactions. Chlorthalidone, a widely used diuretic, had not been prominently linked to FDEs. Here, we present the case of a 45-year-old African-American male who developed classic FDE skin lesions following the initiation of chlorthalidone therapy. This case underscores the imperative for further investigation and heightened awareness among healthcare professionals regarding chlorthalidone-associated FDEs. Findings suggest that such reactions might be more prevalent than previously acknowledged, underscoring the significance of prompt diagnosis and effective management of drug-induced skin responses. Notably, the patient's lesions showed complete resolution upon discontinuing the diuretic, reinforcing the causal relationship. This case is an essential reminder of the importance of vigilance in monitoring patients for adverse drug reactions, even in unlikely medications, such as chlorthalidone.​​​​​​.

Rapidly progressing generalized bullous fixed drug eruption after the first dose of COVID-19 messenger RNA vaccination

Generalized bullous fixed drug eruption (GBFDE) is a rare type of life-threatening severe cutaneous adverse reaction that is considered a medical emergency because of its potential lethality. Currently, only a few cases of bullous adverse reactions have been reported after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. We describe a patient with distinct clinical, histopathological, and immunological findings that are consistent with severe GBFDE, after Pfizer messenger RNA COVID-19 vaccination. An 83-year-old man presented with a fever and well-demarcated multiple erythematous patches that occurred only 4 h after receiving the first dose of COVID-19 Pfizer vaccination. Over the next few days, the patches became generalized and turned into blisters covering approximately 30% of the body surface. The patient was started on intravenous methylprednisolone and oral cyclosporine. There were no additional blistering lesions after 10 days of treatment, prompting a gradual dose reduction. Our case suggests that a stepwise vaccination adhering to the standard dosing schedule should be warranted with close monitoring for possible significant side effects.

Case report: Generalized bullous fixed drug eruption mimicking epidermal necrolysis

Generalized bullous fixed drug eruption (GBFDE) is the most severe form of fixed drug eruption and can be misdiagnosed as epidermal necrolysis (EN). We report the case of a 42-year-old male patient presenting with more than 50% skin detachment without defined areas of exanthema or erythema and a history of one prior event of EN caused by acetaminophen (paracetamol), allopurinol, or amoxicillin 1.5 years ago. The initial diagnosis was GBFDE or EN. The histology of a skin biopsy was unable to distinguish between the two diseases. The course of the disease, the later clinical presentation, and the medical and medication history, however, were in favor of a diagnosis of GBFDE with two potentially culprit drugs: metamizole and ibuprofen. Moxifloxacin, enoxaparin sodium, hydromorphone, and insulin human were administered concomitantly, which makes them suspicious as well. Unfortunately, the patient received an additional dose of metamizole, one of the possible causative drugs, and he developed another bullous reaction within 1 month. This led to the diagnosis of GBFDE due to metamizole. This report highlights the challenges of distinguishing two rare diseases and elucidates the importance of distinct clinical presentation and detailed medication history.

Fixed Drug Eruptions With Flavoured Liquid Formulations of Over-the-Counter Analgesics: A Case Report

Type 4 hypersensitivity reactions convey a number of conditions that include fixed drug eruptions (FDEs). They share similar pathophysiologic backgrounds and sometimes presentation but can have very variable prognostications. Drugs are amongst the possible causes with acetaminophen and other NSAIDs being reported very frequently. We present a case of a patient reacting to flavoured oral ibuprofen and acetaminophen formulations, exhibiting FDEs with bullae formation. We describe our successful challenge to non-flavoured acetaminophen and ibuprofen. We briefly discuss FDEs in regard to their incidence, pathophysiology, and management.

[A drink with an unexpected ending... Adverse reaction by tonic water: A case report]

BACKGROUND

Quinine is an alkaloid with antipyretic and anti-infective properties, and also an ingredient in tonic waters. Adverse reactions have been reported with this product, such as photosensitivity, vasculitis, and contact dermatitis.

CASE REPORT

A 31-year-old male patient who, after 3-4 hours of consuming "Schweppes®" gin with tonic water, manifested ulcers on the lips and oral cavity, and a fixed erythematous lesion on the second phalanx of the hand, 24 hours later. Skin tests with aeroallergens and food were negative, and 48-hour patch tests were positive (quinine [++] and "Schweppes®" [++]). Based on the test findings, the diagnosis of an adverse reaction to quinine, contained in the tonic water, will be established.

CONCLUSIONS

Quinine can be found in other types of foods or medications, so it is important to establish an accurate diagnosis and offer adequate recommendations to the patient with the consumption of this product.

Acute Immune-Mediated Lesions of the Oral Cavity

Although acute immune-mediated lesions of the oral cavity (AIML) can have an onset over several months, they often demonstrate rapid onset and can be self-limited. Despite the self-limiting nature of some disorders, patients with AIML can have significant pain and multisystem involvement. It is vital for the oral health care provider to arrive at the proper diagnosis with distinction from overlapping conditions, as the oral manifestations may be harbingers of more serious systemic complications.

Photobiomodulation Therapy for Multiple Painful Fixed Drug Eruptions: The First Case Report

Introduction: Fixed drug eruption (FDE), a very specific adverse drug reaction and one of the most common types of drug eruption, generally resolves spontaneously within 7-10 days upon withdrawal of the causative agent; however, extensive and severe cases may also require systemic drug therapy. The present study aimed to report a case in which a broad spectrum of severe, painful lesions of FDE was managed with photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT). Case Report: A 31-year-old Caucasian woman presented with many extremely painful mucocutaneous lesions of FDE which had arisen 8 days before, following a long period of hospitalization. The lesions were not responsive to either corticosteroids or analgesics within 5 days, and then seven daily sessions of PBMT were proposed. Pain alleviation was achieved on the 1^st day of PBMT, and the lesions showed an advanced course of healing on the 3^rd day. Within 7 days of PBMT, the lesions were almost completely repaired. In a 3-month follow-up period, no relapse of any FDE lesion was reported. Conclusion: PBMT may be a promising strategy for the management of painful lesions of FDE refractory to conventional medication therapy. However, further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Tools to improve the diagnosis and management of T-cell mediated adverse drug reactions

Delayed drug T-cell immune-mediated hypersensitivity reactions have a large clinical heterogeneity varying from mild maculopapular exanthema (MPE) to severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) such as acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) and severe skin necrosis and blistering as seen in Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Given the knowledge gaps related to the immunopathogenesis of these conditions, the absence of validated diagnostic tools and the significant associated morbidity and mortality, patients with SCARs often have limited drug choices. We performed a comprehensive review aiming to evaluate in vivo diagnostic tools such as delayed intradermal skin and patch testing and ex vivo/in vitro research assays such as the lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) and the enzyme-linked ImmunoSpot (ELISpot) assay. We searched through PubMed using the terms “drug allergy,” “in vivo” and “ex vivo” for original papers in the last 10 years. A detailed meticulous approach adapted to the various clinical phenotypes is recommended for the diagnostic and management of delayed drug hypersensitivity reactions. This review highlights the current diagnostic tools for the delayed drug hypersensitivity phenotypes.

Hypopigmented penile fixed drug eruption

Fixed drug eruptions (FDE) are typically associated with residual hyperpigmentation or non‐pigmenting lesions. There is no distinctive histopathological feature; though, drug provocation tests (DPT) can be confirmatory within 7 days. We describe a patient with penile FDE associated with residual hypopigmentation, a prolonged refractory period to DPT and recurrent meatal stenosis.

A review of hypersensitivity methods to detect immune responses to SARS-CoV-2

The investigation of the immune response after SARS-CoV-2 infection has been the goal of many researchers worldwide. The study of humoral immune responses and in vitro T cell production after infection requires the obtaining of individualized blood samples to test the presence of antibodies or activated T cells specific for the virus. In vitro T cell studies are especially troublesome due to the need for more specialized resources often outside the daily routine of clinical laboratories. For this reason the development of a simple and objective method to achieve these T cell studies is needed. In this manuscript we reviewed the hypersensitivity reactions, the theoretical basis and the historical background of delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) which uses the principles of use of this test in the clinical setting for the past century. In the second part of the review, we focus on COVID adaptive immune responses, to understand the differences and challenges offered by this new application of DTH to investigate immune responses elicited after infection. In the last part of the review a vision provided for the use of this test to investigate the immunogenicity elicited by the vaccines. In our opinion, the clinical guidelines of immune assessment of SARS-CoV-2-infected or vaccinated individuals should include this simple and low-cost test to measure T-cell immunity. Rationale and improved vaccination schemes could be obtained after its implementation in the routine assessment of immunity in this pandemic situation.

Skin Toxicities with Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4/6 Inhibitors in Breast Cancer: Signals from Disproportionality Analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System

BACKGROUND

Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-4/6 inhibitors have been associated with dermatologic reactions, especially alopecia, in pivotal trials.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to comprehensively describe skin toxicities with CDK4/6 inhibitors reported in the real world through the US FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

METHODS

Cutaneous adverse events (AEs) were characterized in terms of spectrum and clinical features, including seriousness (with fatality proportion), latency, and discontinuation. Disproportionality analyses were performed through the reporting odds ratio (ROR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) by comparing CDK4/6 inhibitors with other anticancer drugs used in breast cancer.

RESULTS

As of December 2020, a total of 7986 cutaneous events were reported with CDK4/6 inhibitors (15% of total AEs with CDK4/6 inhibitors), mainly by consumers (39.6%), with 43.5% classified as serious and 25% requiring discontinuation. In 49% of the cases, five or more noncutaneous events were co-reported. The most frequently reported cutaneous events were alopecia (N = 3528), rash (N = 1493), and pruritus (N = 1211): rashes were recorded in the first month (median onset 28 days), whereas alopecia and nail alterations were recorded after a median of 67 and 112 days, respectively. Several cutaneous AEs were associated with increased reporting, including vitiligo (N = 6; ROR 8.88; 95% CI 2.95-22.46) and bullous dermatitis with ribociclib (N = 7; ROR 2.90; 95% CI 1.13-6.27); erythema multiforme with abemaciclib (N = 9; ROR 5.80; 95% CI 2.57-11.48); onychoclasis (N = 142, ROR 2.27; 95% CI 1.83-2.79) and trichorrhexis (N = 22; ROR 3.27; 95% CI 1.78-5.93) with palbociclib.

CONCLUSIONS

Although causality cannot be demonstrated, a diverse reporting pattern of cutaneous AEs emerged from FAERS, including dermal/epidermal conditions, hair/nail disorders, and serious bullous conditions, with variable onsets and a remarkable proportion of discontinuations. The potential differential reporting among CDK4/6 inhibitors deserves further investigation.

Aus den Augen, aus dem Sinn – Knacknuss-Anamnese bei disseminierten Arzneimittelexanthemen auf „vergessene“ Selbstmedikation

Es werden zwei Patienten vorgestellt, die zur Abklärung unklarer Exantheme zugewiesen wurden, bei beiden wurde die Diagnose initial nicht gestellt. Der erste Patient hatte ein ausgeprägtes Arzneimittelexanthem, die Patientin ein generalisiertes fixes Arzneimittelexanthem. Die wegen Verdacht auf Arzneimittelallergie durchgeführte aufwändige allergologische Diagnostik fiel zunächst unergiebig aus. Bei beiden wurde initial der Auslöser anamnestisch nicht erfasst, da die Patienten die Selbsttherapie mit frei verkäuflichen Medikamenten vergessen hatten oder als nicht relevant betrachteten. Erst auf intensive Befragung konnten die Auslöser Pseudoephedrin bzw. Paracetamol eruiert und bestätigt werden. Die zentrale Rolle einer umfassenden Anamneseerhebung und Dokumentation aller eingenommenen Therapeutika wird dargestellt.

Skin Resident Memory T Cells May Play Critical Role in Delayed-Type Drug Hypersensitivity Reactions

Delayed-type drug hypersensitivity reactions (dtDHR) are immune-mediated reactions with skin and visceral manifestations ranging from mild to severe. Clinical care is negatively impacted by a limited understanding of disease pathogenesis. Though T cells are believed to orchestrate disease, the type of T cell and the location and mechanism of T cell activation remain unknown. Resident memory T cells (T_RM) are a unique T cell population potentially well situated to act as key mediators in disease pathogenesis, but significant obstacles to defining, identifying, and testing T_RM in dtDHR preclude definitive conclusions at this time. Deeper mechanistic interrogation to address these unanswered questions is necessary, as involvement of T_RM in disease has significant implications for prediction, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.

Tylenol or acetaminophen: a recurrent fixed drug eruption perpetuated through the use of inconsistent drug terminology

An 87-year-old man with a history of osteoarthritis presented with worsening knee pain. He was prescribed acetaminophen with codeine. A few days later, he developed a rash on his right buttock and proximal thigh, similar to a rash he experienced in the past when he took over-the-counter (OTC) acetamenophen and an unknown lozenge to treat a presumed viral illness. A fixed drug eruption (FDE) was diagnosed and the patient was asked to avoid Tylenol and other OTC lozenges. Tylenol was entered as an allergy in the electronic medical records. However, since Tylenol, not acetaminophen was listed in the allergy profile, the order for acetaminophen and codeine did not generate an alert for the prescribing physician. Additionally, the dispensing pharmacist did not question the prescribing physician and the patient, unaware that acetaminophen in the pain medication is the same drug as Tylenol, took it and developed recurrent FDE.

Probable etoricoxib-induced fixed drug eruption involving the oral mucosa: A case report

Fixed drug eruption (FDE) is a cutaneous adverse drug reaction characterized by recurrence of lesions at the same sites each time a specific drug is taken. Oral mucosal involvement is rare. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are one of the most common offending drug groups in FDE; however, selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, such as etoricoxib, are rarely implicated. We present a case of oral mucosal and cutaneous FDE induced by etoricoxib that, to the best of our knowledge, is the first reported case of this nature. We describe the diagnostic challenges and review the pertinent literature. The value of drug provocation testing and patch testing in FDE is also discussed.

[Treatment of pigmentation disorders in association with systemic diseases]

Pigmentation disorders are a frequent skin problem and incorporate a broad spectrum of diseases, caused by an abnormal melanin pigmentation or also non-melanin pigmentation of the skin. Both hypermelanosis and hypomelanosis can be hereditary or acquired. This article summarizes the treatment approaches that are used in the majority of acquired pigmentation disorders of the skin. The following forms of hypermelanosis are addressed: lentiginosis, hyperpigmentation due to endocrine disorders or other systemic diseases, drug-induced hyperpigmentation. Acquired hypomelanoses include postinflammatory hypomelanosis, chemical depigmentation, idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis and punctate leucoderma. With reference to non-melanin pigmentation, the exogenous pigmentation due to chemicals, metals and drug exposure are discussed. The treatment is primarily based on finding the cause of the alterations to the pigment. The affected area, age and ethnic origin are also important factors. The spectrum of therapeutic options is broad: topical agents, chemical peeling, systemic agents, laser and light-based treatment. As some of these treatment procedures can have side effects, the availability of a protocol that contains information on the drug concentration, dose, parameters for laser treatment and the number of sessions is important. For every disorder the specific dermatological treatment is presented even when some pigmentation alterations that occur in association with systemic diseases, are cured by the treatment of the primary disease. Most diseases are exacerbated by exposure to UV light. Therefore, sun protection is recommended and a cosmetic coverage is indicated.

Missed Diagnosis of Epilepsy-Associated Scald Burns: Two Cases Initially Diagnosed as Bullous Dermatosis

Thermal burns can occur during seizure. This diagnosis can be difficult in case of atypical lesions, even more if the epilepsy is unknown and in case of seizures with loss of consciousness and/or an unwitnessed epileptic attack. We report two cases of cutaneous bullous lesions initially misdiagnosed as severe acute cutaneous adverse reactions (generalized bullous fixed drug eruption and Stevens-Johnson syndrome). In the two cases, the clinical aspect, necrotic evolution, and absence of obvious attributable medication allowed to revert to the diagnosis of burns due to boiling water revealing previously unknown epilepsy. For both, surgical management with skin graft was performed, and antiepileptic treatment was introduced. Facing unexplained burns, occult epilepsy should be investigated. Questioning of patient and relatives is crucial.

Generalized pustular figurate erythema: A newly delineated severe cutaneous drug reaction linked with hydroxychloroquine

A severe cutaneous drug reaction resembling acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis resulting from ingestion of hydroxychloroquine has been documented. It is distinguishable by its longer incubation period, more varied morphology with initially urticarial and later targetoid and arcuate plaques, recalcitrance to therapy and longer duration. Given the anticipated surge in the use of hydroxychloroquine due to its reported benefits in those with coronavirus disease 2019, specific recognition of this entity is pivotal. We delineate it as generalized pustular figurate erythema.