Analysis of Judicial Precedents on Drug Eruption in South Korea / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

Background@#Both medicolegal disputes and the incidence of cutaneous drug eruptions are increasing in Korea. We were unable to find research that surveyed the legal disputes involving drug eruption cases. @*Objective@#This study investigates medical litigation associated with drug eruption cases in Korea. @*Methods@#Judicial precedents on drug eruption cases were searched using the Supreme Court of South Korea’s Written Judgement Management System. General characteristics, results, suspected agents, and recognized negligence were analyzed. @*Results@#From the search results, 50 cases were selected. Of these, 34 cases had severe cutaneous adverse reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (n=25, 50.0%), and drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome (n=9, 18.0%). Antimicrobial agents (n=17, 34.0%), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (n=6, 12.0%), and anticonvulsants (n=6, 12.0%) were the most common drugs implicated. Death was reported in 15 patients (30.0%). In this sample, 22 cases (47.0%) were awarded to the plaintiff, and violation of the duty to inform patients of risks was the most common legal issue cited. @*Conclusion@#Clinicians should be aware of and advise patients of the potential for severe adverse reactions that can lead to negative outcomes and medicolegal disputes.