Dapsone Hypersensitivity Syndrome and Dapsone-induced Liver Injury in Four Malaysian Indigenous Individuals with Leprosy

Dapsone is part of the multi-drug therapy used in the treatment of leprosy. It can cause life-threateninghypersensitivity syndromes resulting in significant morbidity and mortality, especially amongsusceptible individuals such as those who are carriers of HLA-B*13:01 allele. Avoidance of dapsonein these susceptible individuals reduces the risk of dapsone-related adverse events. Herein, we reportfour indigenous patients with leprosy who developed dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome.

Late-onset trichloroethylene-induced hypersensitivity syndrome after intermittent exposure to low-dose trichloroethylene

Occupational exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) can occasionally induce severe cutaneous disorders, including hypersensitivity syndrome and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. The clinical manifestation of TCE hypersensitivity syndrome is quite similar to that of drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome and includes skin lesions, hepatitis, fever, and lymphadenopathy. Almost all cases of TCE hypersensitivity syndrome developed within 2–8 weeks after the first exposure to TCE in an occupational setting. This typical course and clinical feature of hypersensitivity syndrome together with occupational history of TCE contact may lead to prompt diagnosis and treatment of this potentially fatal disease. This report describes a 32-year-old man who has been intermittently engaged in cleaning work using TCE for about 3 years, and then developed TCE hypersensitivity syndrome. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of TCE hypersensitivity syndrome with a long duration of symptom onset due to intermittent exposure to TCE. Thus, physicians should take thorough occupational history when seeing a patient with hypersensitivity syndrome has neither history of drug intake nor regular exposure to TCE.

Stevens–Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Associated with Acetaminophen Use during Viral Infections

An association between drug treatment for viral infections and severe cutaneous adverse reactions has been noted. We investigated six patients diagnosed with Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) after being prescribed acetaminophen for suspected viral illnesses. Multiplex analysis was performed to measure cytokine levels in sera before and after treatment. IL-2Rα levels significantly decreased during the convalescence phase. Although acetaminophen is relatively safe, the drug can trigger SJS/TEN in patients with suspected viral infections. T-cells and monocytes may be key components of the link between viral infection and acetaminophen-induced SJS/TEN.

A Clinical Study of Cutaneous Adverse Reactions to Nonionic Contrast Media in Korea

BACKGROUND: The use of intravenous contrast media (CM) has increased for the diagnosis of several diseases. The newly developed low osmolar nonionic contrast agents cause significantly decreased adverse reactions than the higher osmolar ones. However, adverse reactions may still occur, ranging in severity from minor side effects to severe complications. However, there have been few reports about cutaneous adverse reactions (CARs) to nonionic monomer CM. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical features of CAR to intravenous nonionic monomer CM. METHODS: A total 47,338 examinees underwent intravenous iodinated contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan using nonionic monomer CM. Among the adverse reactions to the CM, we divided them into cutaneous or noncutaneous and immediate ( or =1 hr) adverse reactions. RESULTS: Adverse reactions were noted in 62 cases out of the total 47,338 cases; 50 cases (80.7%) were categorized CARs. Among them, there were 24 male and 26 female patients. There was no significant difference between the sexes, and CARs occurred in all age groups. The highest occurrence was in the age range of 50~59 years. CARs included urticaria (78%), angioedema (10%), maculopapular rash (8%), erythema (2%), and pruritus without rash (2%). Immediate reactions were 92% (46 cases), while late reactions were 8% (4 cases). CONCLUSION: CARs to nonionic monomer CM accounted for most of the adverse reactions (80.7%) and urticaria was the most common.