Drug Rash With Eosinophilia And Systemic Symptoms

A rare hypersensitivity reaction characterized by a generalized skin rash, fever, eosinophilia, lymphocytosis and visceral involvement (hepatitis, nephritis, pneumonitis, pericarditis and myocarditis) and, in some patients, reactivation of human herpes virus 6.

Epidemiology

Prevalence is unknown.

Etiology

Onset usually occurs 2-6 weeks after administration of the causal medication. DRESS syndrome is most frequently associated with anticonvulsants and sulfonamides but other medications (allopurinol, cyclosporine, azathioprine, gold salts and antiviral agents) have also been implicated. The manifestations may persist for several weeks after withdrawal of the causative medication.