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Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)

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Advances in Diagnosis and Management of Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions

Abstract

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a delayed, potentially life-threatening, hypersensitivity reaction characterized by a widespread, long-lasting skin eruption, fever, lymphadenopathy, hematological abnormalities, and organ involvement. Time to onset and course are relatively long; relapses may occur. Clinical and biological variability make DRESS a challenging diagnosis. Pathogenesis is not exactly known, but probably reflects a complex interplay of drug and viral-related factors in which genetics and abnormal metabolic pathways of drugs play an important role. Although associated with many drugs, DRESS is mainly observed after a limited number of “high risk” drugs. Early recognition, prompt withdrawal of the culprit, and treatment with corticosteroids are the mainstay of management.

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Abbreviations

AED:

Antiepileptic drugs

cADR:

Cutaneous adverse drug reactions

CBZ:

Carbamazepine

D(I)HS:

Drug (induced) hypersensitivity syndrome

DRESS:

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms

HHV-6:

Herpes virus type 6

LTA:

Lymphocyte toxicity assay

LTT:

Lymphocyte transformation test

MPE:

Maculopapular exanthema

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Kardaun, S.H. (2019). Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS). In: Shear, N., Dodiuk-Gad, R. (eds) Advances in Diagnosis and Management of Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions. Adis, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-1489-6_7

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