A case of diacerein-induced DRESS (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) syndrome with thromboembolic complications

ABSTRACT

Diacerein is a safe drug for osteoarthritis due to its inhibitory effect on proinflammatory cytokines. Its common side effects, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain and skin rash, are relatively mild. There have been a few cases of drug reactions with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome accompanied by thromboembolic complications. We report the first case of diacerein-induced DRESS syndrome with thromboembolic complications. A 64-year-old man developed fever, skin rash, increase in liver enzymes, eosinophilia, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) after taking diacerein. DVT and PTE were improved after anticoagulation therapy; however, fever, skin rash, eosinophilia and increase in liver enzymes were aggravated. A high-dose systemic corticosteroid (methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg/day) was administered, after which his clinical conditions improved.