Ecthyma gangrenosum: a report of eight cases

Abstract: Ecthyma gangrenosum is a rare skin infection classically associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We performed a retrospective study of all cases diagnosed with ecthyma gangrenosum from 2004-2010 in a university hospital in Mexico (8 cases, 5 female patients and 3 male patients, ages between 4 months and 2 years). The most common risk factor for ecthyma gangrenosum is neutropenia in immunocompromised patients. In previously healthy patients, immunological evaluation is important to rule out underlying immunodeficiency. Ecthyma gangrenosum in healthy patients has a high mortality rate and early diagnosis and aggressive antibiotic treatment is imperative as it can improve patients' prognosis.

Reacción por drogas con eosinofilia y síntomas sistémicos (síndrome de DRESS): Estudio retrospectivo de nueve casos / Dress syndrome: Report of nine cases

Background: DRESS Syndrome (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) is an uncommon disease caused by drugs. It is characterized by a polymorphic disseminated eruption with fever and multiple organ dysfunction. Aim: To report the etiology, characteristics, treatment, prognosis, and follow up of patients with DRESS Syndrome admitted to a clinical hospital. Material and Methods: Review of medical records of patients admitted for drug reactions, selecting those patients complying with clinical criteria for DRESS Syndrome. Drugs used during three months prior to the onset of symptoms were evaluated as possible causes of the disease. Results: Nine patients aged 16 to 68 years (six males) complied with the clinical criteria for the disease. The causative medications were carbamazepine in three patients, phenytoin in three, antituberculous drugs in two and amoxicillin in one. All were treated with systemic steroids with a complete clinical resolution. Conclusions: DRESS syndrome is usually underdiagnosed and has a good response to systemic steroids.