DRESS, una reacción alérgica no mediada por IgE / DRESS, a Non-IgE Mediated Allergic Reaction

Resumen El síndrome de reacción a medicamentos con eosinofilia y síntomas sistémicos (DRESS, por sus siglas en inglés) es una respuesta de hipersensibilidad multisistémica poco frecuente inducida por uno o varios medicamentos que puede inducir una reacción adversa cutánea grave, la cual es difícil de diagnosticar y pone en peligro la vida del paciente si no es identificada y no se recibe tratamiento. Frecuentemente, se manifiesta como una erupción cutánea amplia, linfadenopatía, signos de afectación de órganos viscerales y alteraciones hematológicas, como leucocitosis, eosinofilia y, en ocasiones, linfocitosis atípica que se presentan de 2 a 8 semanas posterior a la administración del fármaco responsable. Los medicamentos responsables con mayor número de reportes son la fenitoína, la carbamazepina, el alopurinol y el abacavir. Se han identificado algunos alelos específicos del antígeno leucocitario humano (HLA) que se asocian a la hipersensibilidad de estos fármacos. La fisiopatología del síndrome de DRESS aún no se conoce por completo, generalmente se trata de una respuesta de hipersensibilidad mediada por células T, al interactuar con el receptor del complejo principal de histocompatibilidad en individuos con factores de susceptibilidad genética, como ocurre en otros cuadros de reacciones graves secundarias a la ingesta de fármacos. Los criterios del European Registry of Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions to Drugs (RegiSCAR) son los más utilizados para su diagnóstico. El síndrome de hipersensibilidad inducido por fármacos (DiHS), el síndrome de Stevens-Johnson (SSJ), la necrólisis epidérmica tóxica (NET), y la pustulosis exantemática generalizada aguda (PEGA) deben considerarse ante cualquier exantema que aparezca posterior a la administración de cualquier fármaco. La terapia incluye la eliminación del agente causal lo antes posible, así como los corticosteroides sistémicos, los cuales son los pilares del tratamiento.. Los agentes ahorradores de esteroides, como la ciclosporina, las inmunoglobulinas intravenosas (IVIGs) y otros agentes inmunosupresores, se han utilizado con éxito para contribuir al tratamiento.

Abstract DRESS (drug reaction syndrome with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) is a rare drug-induced multisystemic hypersensitivity response that can induce a severe cutaneous adverse reaction that is difficult to diagnose and treat. It frequently manifests as an extensive skin rash, systemic symptoms, lymphadenopathy, visceral organ involvement, and hematological alterations, mainly leukocytosis, eosinophilia, and sometimes atypical lymphocytosis that manifest 2 to 8 weeks after continuous administration of the responsible drug. The most prevalent drugs related with this syndrome are phenytoin, carbamazepine, allopurinol, and abacavir. Some specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles have been identified that are associated with hypersensitivity to these drugs. The pathophysiology of DRESS syndrome is not yet fully understood; the main hypothesis is a T-cell mediated hypersensitivity response when interacting with the major histocompatibility complex receptor in individuals with genetic susceptibility factors. The criteria of the European Registry of Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions to Drugs (RegiSCAR) are the most commonly used for the diagnosis of DRESS syndrome. Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DiHS), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) should be considered for any rash that appears following the administration of any drug. Therapy of DRESS includes the elimination of the causative agent as soon as possible, as well as systemic corticosteroids which are the cornerstones of treatment. Steroid-sparing agents such as cyclosporine, intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs), and other immunosuppressive agents have been used successfully to contribute to treatment.

Pharmaceutical care for one case of levofloxacin-induced hypersensitivity reaction by the participation of clinical pharmacists and literature analysis / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To analyze the characteristics of levofloxacin-induced hypersensitivity reaction. METHODS Clinical pharmacists participated in the treatment for a case of levofloxacin-induced hypersensitivity reaction， and adjudged the relationship of levofloxacin with hypersensitivity reaction according to relative standards. Retrieved from CNKI， VIP， Wanfang database， PubMed and Embase， relevant literature about levofloxacin-induced hypersensitivity reaction was collected and analyzed. RESULTS Clinical pharmacists suggested checking the patient’s previous medication and allergy history based on symptoms such as fever and systemic rash， and determined that the drug hypersensitivity was “likely” or “highly likely” to be associated with levofloxacin. Clinicians provided symptomatic treatment to the patient based on the judgment of clinical pharmacists， and the patient improved after treatment. Results of the literature analysis showed that among 31 involved patients， there were 23 males and 8 females； 18 patients aged 50 and above； the incubation period of 24 patients was within 4 days after medication. The main adverse drug reactions were drug hypersensitivity syndrome， fixed drug eruption， erythema multiforme， etc. Most patients were improved after withdrawal and symptomatic treatment. CONCLUSIONS Hypersensitivity reaction is the rare adverse drug reaction of levofloxacin， mostly occurring within 2.5 h to 4 days after administration， and it is more likely to occur in middle-aged and elderly patients. Before clinical use， patients should be asked about their drug allergy history in detail； when patients experience fever or rash without obvious causes， medication should be stopped promptly and symptomatic treatment should be taken to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the patients’ medication.

Hypersensitivity reaction with metformin: a case report

Metformin is a biguanide derivative widely used for treatment of diabetic patients. The most common toxic effects of metformin are gastrointestinal (anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea). As with other drugs, allergic reactions can occur with metformin also, but these are very rare. A case of hypersensitivity reaction with metformin was reported in adverse drug monitoring centre. A 59-year-old female, newly diagnosed case of diabetes mellitus II, started on metformin tablet 500 mg twice daily, developed purpuric skin lesions on her arms, legs and back few days after starting the drug. metformin was stopped and patient was put on glimepiride tablet. The lesions slowly started subsiding after stopping metformin.

A case of urticaria multiforme with unusual presentation

Urticaria multiforme is a condition which manifests as acute, polycyclic, annular oedematous pink plaques with an ecchymosis hue that is associated with acral edema. The condition is often misdiagnosed as erythema multiforme, serum-sickness-like reactions, or urticarial vasculitis. Author present a case of acute annular urticaria in a 3-year-old girl who presented with unusual clinical manifestations of the condition. Through this case report, Author aim to emphasize the wide range of morphologic manifestations that can be seen in urticaria multiforme. This can assist pediatric physicians to differentiate urticaria multiforme from other clinical dermatologic conditions and prevent misdiagnosis. A detailed case history and physical examination, along with relevant diagnostic tests can enable prompt and effective management of the condition.

Chronic Food Antigen-specific IgG-mediated Hypersensitivity Reaction as A Risk Factor for Adolescent Depressive Disorder / 基因组蛋白质组与生物信息学报·英文版

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most common nonfatal disease burden worldwide. Systemic chronic low-grade inflammation has been reported to be associated with MDD progression by affecting monoaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission. However, whether various proinflammatory cytokines are abnormally elevated before the first episode of depression is still largely unclear. Here, we evaluated 184 adolescent patients who were experiencing their first episode of depressive disorder, and the same number of healthy individuals was included as controls. We tested the serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IgE, 14 different types of food antigen-specific IgG, histamine, homocysteine, S100 calcium-binding protein B, and diamine oxidase. We were not able to find any significant differences in the serum levels of hs-CRP or TNF-α between the two groups. However, the histamine level of the patients (12.35 μM) was significantly higher than that of the controls (9.73 μM, P < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U test). Moreover, significantly higher serum food antigen-specific IgG positive rates were also found in the patient group. Furthermore, over 80% of patients exhibited prolonged food intolerance with elevated levels of serum histamine, leading to hyperpermeability of the blood-brain barrier, which has previously been implicated in the pathogenesis of MDD. Hence, prolonged high levels of serum histamine could be a risk factor for depressive disorders, and antihistamine release might represent a novel therapeutic strategy for depression treatment.

Vasculite urticariforme e exantema: uma reação de hipersensibilidade tardia mista a dimenidrinato ­ relato de caso / Urticarial vasculitis and rash: a mixed delayed hypersensitivity reaction to dimenhydrinate ­ case report

Dimenidrinato é um anti-histamínico H1 do grupo das etanolaminas, com importantes propriedades anticolinérgicas, antisserotoninérgicas e sedativas. Relatamos um caso de uma mulher que após 14 dias de ter usado dimenidrinato, iniciou quadro de exantema e vasculite urticariforme, além de sintomas constitucionais. Avaliação laboratorial sem alterações. Biopsia de pele evidenciou dermatite de interface do tipo vacuolar e púrpura com leucocitoclasia e derrame pigmentar. Imunofluorescência positiva para IgG, com presença de fluorescência dos núcleos dos queratinócitos da epiderme. Tratada com corticoide oral por 2 meses até remissão completa do quadro, e posterior realização de teste intradérmico, que foi positivo na leitura de 48h. A reação de hipersensibilidade tardia observada foi relacionada a mecanismo misto de Gell e Coombs (III e IV), com positividade no teste cutâneo intradérmico de leitura tardia em 48h (reação tipo IV) e biópsia compatível com vasculite cutânea (reação tipo III); lesões exantemáticas (reação tipo IV) e urticária vasculítica (reação tipo III). O teste cutâneo com dimenidrinato positivo reforça o diagnóstico de reação de hipersensibilidade.

Dimenhydrinate is an H1 antihistamine from the ethanolamine group, with important anticholinergic, antiserotoninergic and sedative properties. We report the case of a woman who, after 14 days of using dimenhydrinate, developed rash and urticarial vasculitis, in addition to constitutional symptoms. Laboratory tests were normal. Skin biopsy revealed interface purpuric dermatitis with leukocytoclasia and pigment effusion. Immunofluorescence was positive for IgG, showing nuclear fluorescence of epidermal keratinocytes. She was treated with oral corticosteroid for 2 months until complete remission of symptoms. Subsequent intradermal test resulted positive on the 48-h reading. The delayed hypersensitivity reaction was related to a mixed Gell and Coombs mechanism (III and IV), with positive results in the intradermal cutaneous test on the 48-h reading (type IV reaction) and a biopsy compatible with cutaneous vasculitis (type III reaction), exanthematous lesions (type IV reaction,) and urticarial vasculitis (type III reaction). The positive skin test for dimenhydrinate reinforces the diagnosis of hypersensitivity reaction.

Clinical analysis of hypersensitivity reactions to oxaliplatin / 中国肿瘤临床

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of allergic reactions in patients with colorectal cancer after routine premed-ication with dexamethasone (5 mg) before chemotherapy with an oxaliplatin-containing regimen and to provide a reference for reduc-ing the risk of oxaliplatin allergy. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 242 patients with colorectal cancer who received chemotherapy with an oxaliplatin-containing regimen at the Changzhou Cancer Hospital of Soochow University from January 2014 to October 2017 was performed, and the incidence of allergic reactions was calculated. The associations between multiple factors and allergic reactions were then assessed using univariate analysis. The independent factors of allergic reactions were assessed using multivariate Logistic analysis, and the treatment outcome of oxaliplatin rechallenge in allergic patients was discussed. Results: A total of 242 patients were studied. They received routine premedication with dexamethasone (5 mg) before chemotherapy with an oxaliplatin-containing regi-men. Twelve (4.9%) patients had type I allergic reactions, with a median onset time of 6 (5.5-10.5) cycles and a median cumulative dose of 895 (716.5-1 075.0) mg. Multivariate analysis identified undergoing an oxaliplatin-free interval as an independent risk factor (P=0.04). Rechallenging patients with prophylactic agents was successful in 1 (33.3%) of 3 patients who completed their treatment. Conclusions: Routine low-dose dexamethasone premedication before oxaliplatin administration is safe and exhibited a lower inci-dence of hypersensitivity reactions than that reported in literature. An oxaliplatin-free interval may increase the risk of hypersensitivity reactions. Caution should be exercised while rechallenging allergic patients with oxaliplatin.

An unusual dual hypersensitivity reaction to moxifloxacin in a patient

Both immediate and nonimmediate type hypersensitivity reactions (HRs) with a single dose of quinolone in the same patient have not been previously reported. A 47-year-old female patient referred to us because of the history of a nonimmediate type HR to radio contrast agent and immediate type HR to clarithromycin. She experienced anaphylaxis in minutes after the second dose of 50 mg when she was provocated with moxifloxacin. She was treated immediately with epinephrine, fluid replacement and methylprednisole and pheniramine. On the following day she came with macular eruptions, and she was treated with methylprednisolone. The positive patch test performed with moxifloxacin as well as the lymphocyte transformation test proved the T-cell mediated HR. In order to prove the immediate type HR, basophil activation test was performed but was found negative. This case report presents for the first time the 2 different types of HRs in a patient with a test dose of quinolone.

Outcomes of drug provocation tests in Korean children with suspected drug hypersensitivity reaction

PURPOSE: Drug provocation tests (DPT) are the gold standard for confirming the diagnosis of drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs). However, there are little studies of DPT in children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate DPT results and safety as diagnostic methods of DHR in Korean children. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 39 children under 18 years of age with a suspected DHR and performed DPT between January 2010 and May 2016 at Asan Medical Center. RESULTS: Total 110 DPT were performed in 39 children (20 boys and 19 girls) with a history of DHR. Clinical presentation of DHR included skin rash (n=7), pruritus (n=3), urticaria (n=18), angioedema (n=19), dyspnea (n=5), hoarseness (n=1), hypothermia (n=1), and anaphylaxis (n=5). The median age at the time of DPT was 9 years. Positive DPT were observed in 21 of 39 children (53.8%) and 28 of 110 cases (25.5%). Drugs causing positive reactions were acetaminophen in 50% (9 of 18), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in 29.2% (14 of 48), cephalosporin in 9.1% (1 of 11), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole in 50% (1 of 2), local anesthetics in 10% (1 of 10), and others (levodropropizine and idursulfase) in 15.4% (2 of 13). There was no statistical difference between children who had positive and negative results in sex, age, personal and parental history of allergic disease, eosinophil count, or total IgE level. Children with positive DPT did not develop anaphylaxis during the DPT procedure. CONCLUSION: Drug provocation test is safe, and it can be considered in children with suspected DHRs.

Establishment of in-vitro model of complement activation and its application / 药学学报

Complement activation-related pseudo-allergic reactions (CARPA) may represent 77% of all immune-mediated immediate hypersensitivity reactions. Because of the universality of the CARPA response and correlation between it and drug properties, complement activity tests are recommended as one of the tests for immunotoxicity and bioequivalence of drugs. However, in-vivo tests of complement activation are complicated, and the immunological differences between different individuals and between human and animal, making it very necessary to establish a standard and sample evaluation model for testing the effects of drugs on complement activity. In this study, the standard reaction serum was prepared by pooling sera collected from 40 healthy blood donors; a standard positive control was prepared by incubation with a heat-agglutinated IgG and zymosan A; SC5b-9, C5a, C4d and Bb were chosen as the test targets and evaluation criteria of the results was defined, all of these constituted the in-vitro model. By using this in-vitro model, the immunological toxicity of the different prescription of antifungal drug amphotericin B, and voriconazole for injection, and the bioequivalence of amphotericin B liposome formulations were studied.

Síndrome de sensibilidad a fármacos con eosinofilia y síntomas sistémicos en pediatría: Caso clínico / DRESS syndrome in paediatrics: Clinical case

El síndrome de sensibilidad a fármacos con eosinofilia y síntomas sistémicos es una enfermedad potencialmente mortal, caracterizada por exantema, fiebre, adenopatías, alteraciones hematológicas y compromiso de órganos internos. Objetivo: Presentar una afección poco frecuente en pediatría para facilitar la sospecha diagnóstica y el rápido reconocimiento por parte de los médicos. Caso clínico: Lactante de 9 meses hospitalizada por un cuadro de neumonía viral grave con ventilación mecánica no invasiva, tratada con ceftriaxona entre otros medicamentos. Al quinto día de suspendido el antibiótico presentó un exantema maculopapular violáceo, confluente de predominio en el tronco, la cara y las extremidades superiores, asociado a fiebre, eosinofilia y elevación de transaminasas. Se manejó con prednisona oral más corticoides tópicos por 6 semanas, con buena evolución a los 3 meses de seguimiento. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico de síndrome de sensibilidad a fármacos con eosinofilia y síntomas sistémicos se realiza por clínica y exámenes de laboratorio, además de biopsia cutánea en caso de duda diagnóstica. Si bien su causa más frecuente son los anticonvulsivantes se han descrito casos con un sinnúmero de fármacos. El manejo consiste en la suspensión del fármaco sospechoso asociado a medidas de soporte y tratamiento corticosteroide por tiempos prolongados.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a rare, potentially life-threatening, drug-induced hypersensitivity reaction that includes skin eruption, haematological abnormalities, lymphadenopathy, and internal organ involvement. Objective: Presenting a rare condition in children, to facilitate a rapid diagnostic suspicion and recognition by doctors. Case report: An 9 months old infant admitted due to a severe viral pneumonia, managed with non-invasive ventilation and ceftriaxone. Five days after stopping antibiotics, a confluent maculopapular rash appeared, which was predominantly in the trunk, face and upper extremities, combined with a fever, eosinophilia, and elevated serum levels of transaminase. She received treatment with oral prednisone and topical corticosteroids for 6 weeks, with a good outcome after 3 months. Conclusions: The diagnosis of DRESS syndrome is made using clinical criteria, laboratory values, and histopathology, if there is any query. Although it is classically caused by anticonvulsants and sulphonamides, many other drugs have been implicated. The offending drug should be immediately discontinued and the patient given supportive treatment, and systemic corticosteroids for long periods of treatment.

Prevalence and clinical features of hypersensitivity reaction to contrast media after prescreening skin test

PURPOSE: Hypersensitivity reactions to contrast media (CM) are one of the most common causes of drug adverse reactions. The overall prevalence of immediate hypersensitivity reaction (IHR) was 0.16%–7.7% to nonionic CM. Although IHR to CM has been traditionally considered nonallergic, there is growing evidence that the mechanism of IHR to CM is mediated by IgE. It can be severe, even fatal, and a legal problem. To reduce IHR, the prescreening skin test is on the rise. METHODS: We reviewed cases of IHR to CM during enhanced computed tomography (CT) from 2008 to 2015 at a secondary hospital in South Korea. Patients who underwent enhanced CT were performed the 2-step prescreening skin test before nonionic CM-enhanced CT. If patients had adverse reactions to CM, the reactions were reported. IHR to CM was defined as an immediate reaction within 1 hour after CM administration. The Ring and Messmer system was used to classify the severity of reactions by grades I to IV, and we defined grades III and IV as severe reactions. RESULTS: A total of 30,105 CM-enhanced CT cases were recruited from 2008 to 2015. A total 46 patients with CM adverse reactions were reported. The IHR were noted in 30 of the total patients (0.1%), of which 6 had severe reaction. CONCLUSION: The prevalences of IHR and severe IHR to CM were 0.1% and 0.02%, respectively. Further studies are needed to evaluate the usefulness of prescreening skin tests to prevent IHR to CM.

Phenytoin/albendazole induced exanthematous eruptions: a case report.

Exanthematous drug eruptions, often called “drug rashes” or “maculopapular eruptions” by non-dermatologists are the most common form of cutaneous drug eruption. Cutaneous reactions are among the most common adverse effects of drugs, including penicillins, cephalosporins, sulfonamides, and allopurinol (with an incidence of up to 50 cases per 1000 new users), and particularly the aromatic amine anti-seizure medications, including carbamazepine, phenytoin, and lamotrigine (with an incidence of up to 100 cases per 1000 new users). Phenytoin is a hydantoin derivative anticonvulsant drug used primarily in the management of complex partial seizures and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Albendazole is a benzimidazole medication used for the treatment of a variety of parasitic worm infestations. Carbamazepine and phenytoin are among the most common causes of antiepileptic drug-related cutaneous adverse reactions. Manifestations range from a mild erythematous maculopapular rash to life-threatening Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Albendazole induced rashes and urticaria have been reported in less than 1% of the patients. Here we present the case of a 12-year-old male patient who came to the dermatology outpatient department with complaints of itching and maculopapular eruptions all over the body. The patient gave a history of taking tablet phenytoin and tablet albendazole for neurocysticercosis since 1-week. There was no fever or any other systemic manifestations. There was no history of any other drug intake. A diagnosis of phenytoin/albendazole induced exanthematous eruptions was made. Both the medications were discontinued, and the patient was advised to take syrup sodium valproate 200 mg BD. For the rashes and itching, the patient was advised to take tablet hydroxyzine HCl 10 mg OD, tablet prednisolone and tablet levocetirizine for 5 days. Improvement was seen and the itching reduced. Rechallenge was not done. In this event, casualty assessment using Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale revealed that phenytoin/albendazole were probable causes for the adverse drug reaction.

Maculopapular skin rash due to amoxicillin tri-hydrate hypersensitivity reaction: a case report.

Amoxicillin tri-hydrate (AMT) is a commonly used penicillin group of antibacterial agent to combat various bacterial infections. Penicillin group of drugs are known to cause cutaneous drug eruptions as a hypersensitivity reaction. Most of the time, these eruptions are mild in nature, however, sometimes they represent the early manifestation of rare and severe drug-induced cutaneous reactions, such as; Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Here, we report a case of maculopapular skin rash developed due to AMT hypersensitivity reaction in a 48-year-old Indian male patient. Pheniramine maleate, hydrocortisone and skin protecting lotion were prescribed to manage the situation. This case is being reported to emphasize the need for reporting of drug induced complications and their management procedures.

Reacción a un tatuaje de henna negra tratado con furoato de mometasona y gel de silicona: Caso clínico / Reaction to a black henna tattoo treated with mometasone furoate and silicone gel: case report

Black henna tattoos have paraphenylenediamine (PPD), which contains a product of herbal origin, which due to its molecular characteristics is capable of inducing, in susceptible individuals, a type IV hypersensitivity reaction. It clinically manifests as a contact dermatitis that usually when it disappears, scarring and hypopigmentation are left in the injured area. Objective: To describe the case of a patient with hypersensitivity to henna tattoo and to present the most relevant phenomena associated with this condition. Case report: The case of a 6 year-old patient with a black henna tattoo on his right leg, who was diagnosed with contact dermatitis probably attributed to PPD, is presented. Mometasone furoate and topical silicone gel treatment was started with good response. Conclusion: Mometasone furoate and silicone gel are a good possible therapeutic option for treating contact dermatitis caused by PPD as the dermatosis was resolved without residual lesions.

Los tatuajes de henna negra son aquellos que contienen parafenilendiamina (PPD), que contienen un producto de origen herbal, que por sus características moleculares es capaz de inducir, en individuos susceptibles, una reacción de hipersensibilidad tipo IV. Se manifiesta clínicamente como una dermatitis de contacto, que generalmente al desaparecer, persiste de manera residual una cicatriz hipertrófica e hipopigmentación en la zona lesionada. Objetivo: Describir el caso de un paciente con hipersensibilidad al tatuaje de henna, y presentar los fenómenos más relevantes asociados a esta patología. Caso clínico: Paciente de 6 años de edad, que se realizó un tatuaje con henna negra en la pierna derecha, en quien se diagnosticó posteriormente una dermatitis de contacto atribuida probablemente a la PPD. Se comenzó tratamiento con furoato de mometasona y gel de silicona con buena respuesta por vía tópica. Conclusión: El furoato de mometasona y gel de silicona son una posible opción terapéutica de utilidad para tratar la dermatitis de contacto causada por el PPD, debido a que la dermatosis se resolvió sin lesiones residuales.

Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions.

Cutaneous adverse drug reaction is one of the most common manifestations of drug allergy. As the knowledge of the morphology of drug induced cutaneous lesions helps in the early identification of even a serious drug reaction, it is mandatory for the treating physician to pick up early signs of these reactions followed by a prompt withdrawal of the suspected drug. The paper discusses the clinical presentation and management of these including severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions. It emphasizes on need of a great amount of skill for its identification and management.

Hypersensitivity reaction to aspirin accompanied by severe eosinophilia in a child with history of Kawasaki disease

Drug hypersensitivity is one of drug adverse reactions that develop in susceptible patients following exposure to certain drugs and cannot be predicted from the known pharmacology of a drug. Severe hypersensitivity is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Although the issue of hypersensitivity to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been largely investigated in adults, data related to NSAIDs hypersensitivity is insufficient in childhood. And in spite of the recommendation to avoid use of aspirin due to Reye syndrome in children, aspirin is one of major treatment along with intravenous immunoglobulin in Kawasaki disease. We report a case of a 10-month-old boy who underwent intravenous immunoglobulin and aspirin treatment for Kawasaki disease, and subsequently revealed severe leukocytosis and eosinophilia. To our knowledge, there have been no previous reports of aspirin-induced eosinophilia in Korea.

Evaluation of anti-allergic and anti-anaphylactic activity of ethanolic extract of Zizyphus jujuba fruits in rodents

The present study reports the anti-allergic activity of ethanolic extract of Zizyphus jujuba Mill., Rhamnaceae, and its possible mode of action. The effect of extract of Z. jujuba at different doses (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg, orally) was simulated on studied animal models of asthma and allergy: a) milk induced eosinophilia and leukocytosis; b) compound 48/80 induced mast cell degranulation; and, c) active and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis. In addition, extract of Z. jujuba's effect on sensitized guinea pig ileum (ex vivo) and tracheal chain preparations (in vitro) were investigated.Treatment with extract of Z. jujuba at all doses significantly: prevented the milk-induced eosinophilia and compound 48/80 induced degranulation of mesenteric mast cells; decreased passive cutaneous and active anaphylactic reactions. In addition, extract of Z. jujuba inhibited acetylcholine as well as histamine induced tracheal chain contraction, and also antigen induced contraction of sensitized guinea pig ileum (Shultz-Dale inhibition test). Furthermore, it exhibited also free radicals scavenging activity (in vitro). The observed anti-allergic and anti-anaphylactic activity of extract of Z. jujuba may be largely through the stabilization of mast cells by the membrane presence of phytoconstituents (steroidal saponins and flavonoids).

Phenytoin induced toxic epidermal necrolysis: A case report.

Toxic Epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare, life threatening dermatological disorder that is usually induced by medications. Anti-convulsants such as phenytoin, carbamazepine and phenobarbital have been enlisted as high risk drugs for causing TEN. A 25 year old man, a known case of epilepsy, who consumed inadvertently escalated daily dose of 600 mg/day of phenytoin for 10 days, developed TEN which involving more than 30% of body surface area with mucosal involvement. Rigorous treatment of 18 days using systemic and topical antibiotics along with glucocorticoids helped in complete recovery of the patient. Causality analysis of this Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) showed a probable association on both World Health Organisation (WHO) – Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC) scale and Naranjo’s probability scale and Severity scale of 5 on Modified Hartwig and Siegel scale. Medication error is an important cause of such life threatening reactions which requires concern of all health care professionals.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Induced by Carbamazepine Treatment in a Patient Who Previously Had Carbamazepine Induced Pruritus: A Case Report

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare but life-threatening skin reaction disease and carbamazepine is one of its most common causes. We report a case of SJS secondary to carbamazepine in a patient with previous pruritus due to carbamazepine which was given for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. We would like to caution all providers that carbamazepine readministration should be avoided in the patient with a previous history of SJS or adverse skin reaction. In addition, we strongly recommend gradual titration when initiating treatment with carbamazepine.