A recurrent drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms

Management and Long-Term Outcomes of Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DReSS) in Children: A Scoping Review

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DReSS) is known to cause mortality and long-term sequelae in the pediatric population, however there are no established clinical practice guidelines for the management of pediatric DReSS. We conducted a scoping review, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, to summarize the currently available data on treatment, mortality, and long-term sequelae of DReSS in children (aged 0-18 years). Data from 644 individuals revealed that various treatment strategies are being used in the management of pediatric DReSS, and strategies were often used in combination. The diversity in treatment approaches cannot be solely attributed to age or disease severity and reflects the lack of evidence-based management guidelines for DReSS. Children are also at risk of developing autoimmune sequelae following DReSS, most commonly thyroid disease and type 1 diabetes mellitus. We found that the eventual development of autoimmune disease was more often associated with DReSS caused by antibiotics, especially minocycline and sulfamethoxazole, in comparison with individuals who did not develop sequelae. In this study, we identify strengths and weaknesses in the currently available literature and highlight that future prospective studies with structured and long-term follow-up of children with DReSS are needed to better understand potential risk factors for mortality and development of sequelae after DReSS.

Characterizing DRESS syndrome recurrence: a systematic review

Recurrence of DRESS syndrome is poorly characterized, and dermatologists must be prepared to predict, identify, and manage patients after treatment of the initial presentation. In this study, a primary literature search was conducted using PubMed, capturing all articles recording cases of DRESS syndrome recurrence. Forty-two articles were included for review comprising a total of 60 patients. The average age of patients was 46.3 years and time to recurrence was 123 days. Recurrent episodes presented more frequently with a higher fever and eosinophil absolute peak. Relapse was most often attributed to the introduction of a new medication (n = 18). Of the 17 cases in which outcome data were available, the survival rate of those experiencing recurrence was 71%. Viral reactivation with HHV-6 and organ involvement of the liver were frequently recorded complications. In essence, viral reactivation, severe internal organ involvement, and hematological abnormalities all portended a poorer prognosis in those experiencing DRESS syndrome recurrence. An adequate course of treatment should be maintained until clinical and laboratory parameters normalize, with a slow taper to minimize the likelihood of relapse in those most at risk.

Probable Griseofulvin-Induced Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms in a Child

A 9-year-old boy presented with fever, rash, anterior cervical lymphadenopathy, high liver enzymes, atypical lymphocytosis, and eosinophilia (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms [DRESS]). His history was notable for having taken griseofulvin for 3 weeks prior to onset of these findings. He improved after treatment with oral prednisone. We present a rare case of probable DRESS secondary to griseofulvin.

Management of Psychotropic Drug-Induced DRESS Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe cutaneous eruption that has been linked to several common drugs and drug categories, including antiepileptics, allopurinol, sulfonamides, and various antibiotics; however, because of a number of recent case reports linking psychotropic medications to this condition, DRESS is increasingly recognized among psychiatrists. We systematically reviewed all psychotropic drugs linked to DRESS syndrome, and this article summarizes the clinical management relevant to psychiatric professionals. A comprehensive search was performed using Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Web of Science, Scopus, and Litt's Drug Eruption and Reaction Database for articles published in English during the past 20 years (1996-2015) using the search terms (1) psychotropic drugs OR serotonin uptake inhibitors AND DRESS or (2) psychotropic drugs AND drug reaction (or rash) eosinophilia systemic syndrome, and all article abstracts were screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria by 3 reviewers. Two independent reviewers examined the full text of 163 articles, of which 96 (25 original articles, 12 review articles, 55 case reports, and 4 letters to the editor) were included in the systematic review. We identified 1072 cases of psychotropic drug-induced DRESS, with carbamazepine, lamotrigine, phenytoin, valproate, and phenobarbital being the most implicated drugs. Based on our review of the literature, we outline management principles that include prompt withdrawal of the causative drug, hospitalization, corticosteroid therapy, and novel treatments, including intravenous immunoglobulin, cyclophosphamide, and cyclosporine, for corticosteroid-resistant DRESS. Finally, we outline strategies for treating comorbid psychiatric illness after a DRESS reaction to the psychotropic medication.

Adverse drug reactions induced by valproic acid

Valproic acid is a widely-used first-generation antiepileptic drug, prescribed predominantly in epilepsy and psychiatric disorders. VPA has good efficacy and pharmacoeconomic profiles, as well as a relatively favorable safety profile. However, adverse drug reactions have been reported in relation with valproic acid use, either as monotherapy or polytherapy with other antiepileptic drugs or antipsychotic drugs. This systematic review discusses valproic acid adverse drug reactions, in terms of hepatotoxicity, mitochondrial toxicity, hyperammonemic encephalopathy, hypersensitivity syndrome reactions, neurological toxicity, metabolic and endocrine adverse events, and teratogenicity.