Severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions of Chinese inpatients: a meta-analysis

Abstract Background: The rate of severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions is low, and these reactions can result in death or disability. An evidence-based epidemiological study of severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions in China has not been reported. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze epidemiology and characteristics of severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions of Chinese inpatients during the recent 15 years with meta-analysis. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed Chinese literature reporting severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions and collecting data from 2000 to 2015, which were in accordance with our inclusion criteria. All included data were analyzed with the Launch Open Meta-Analyst software. Results: Twenty-five articles involving 928 cases with severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions were included. Men to women ratio was 1.14:1. Twenty-one per cent of the patients had drug allergy history. Antibiotics (26.0%), sedative hypnotics and anticonvulsants (21.6%), and antipyretic analgesics (17.1%) were the most common causative drugs. The most frequent clinical subtype was Stevens-Johnson syndrome (50.1%), followed by toxic epidermal necrolysis (25.4%), exfoliative dermatitis (21.0%) and drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (1.6%). In addition to skin rashes, patients with severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions suffered mostly from fever (73%), and blood routine abnormality (66.7%). Study limitations: This meta-analysis is limited by its retrospective design and by its methodological variation. Conclusion: The most common causative drugs were antibiotics and sedative hypnotics and anticonvulsants. Stevens-Johnson syndrome was the most frequent clinical subtype of severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions. In addition to skin rashes, patients with severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions suffered mostly from fever, mucosal lesion, and hematologic abnormalities.

Cutaneous sarcoidosis and secondary open-angle glaucoma in a patient: case report and literature review

Abstract The current report presents the case of a 41-year-old male patient with a two-month history of asthenopia and plaques in the frontotemporal region. Computed tomography revealed bilateral hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Ophthalmological examination showed elevated intraocular pressure. Skin biopsy demonstrated aa dermal inflammatory infiltrate composed mainly of epithelioid cells and a few multinucleated giant cells, but no obvious lymphocytes. Findings of thorough physical examinations and auxiliary examinations suggested the presence of cutaneous sarcoidosis and secondary open-angle glaucoma. Treatment consisted mainly of oral methylprednisolone. Skin lesions, bilateral hilar, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy resolved completely. Cutaneous sarcoidosis is often accompanied by extracutaneous organ involvement. Dermatologists must be aware of the disease's extracutaneous manifestations to ensure accurate diagnosis for further treatments.

Bullous pemphigoid associated with milia, increased serum IgE, autoantibodies against desmogleins, and refractory treatment in a young patient

Abstract: Bullous pemphigoid is a blistering autoimmune disease characterized by two hemidesmosomal proteins (anti-BP180 and 230). Pemphigus, by contrast, is characterized by two autoantibodies (anti-desmoglein 1 and 3). Coexistence of autoantibodies of bullous pemphigoid and pemphigus in a patient is rare. A 25-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital, reporting a 3-month history of multiple papules, vesicles, and erosions over an extensive erythema on the entire body. Laboratory tests showed high levels of serum IgE, anti-BP180 antibodies, and anti-desmoglein 1 and 3. Histopathologic and immunopathologic features were characterized by bullous pemphigoid. No improvement was seen with systemic corticosteroid therapy, however, pulse corticosteriod therapy combined with methylprednisolone, immunosuppressants, immunomodulators, and plasmapheresis led to the recovery of his condition with numerous milia.