Korean J Dermatol.  2005 Sep;43(9):1164-1169.

Clinical Study of Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) on Drug Eruption Patients Over the last 10 years (1995-2004)

• Kwon KS
• Kim BS
• Jang BS
• Kim MB
• Oh CK
• Kwon YW
• Jang HS

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), previously named drug `hypersensitivity syndrome', is a subset of severe drug eruption with quite distinct clinical presentations. Perhaps because of its relatively late onset and variable presentations, the diagnosis of DRESS may be delayed. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine the incidence and investigate the causative drugs and clinical characteristics of DRESS. METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical features and laboratory findings of DRESS in 795 drug eruption patients who had visited Pusan National University Hospital over the last 10 years (1995-2004). RESULTS: 1. Of 795 drug eruption patients, 14 (1.76%) received a diagnosis of DRESS. 2. The average age of onset was 44.5 years and there was no significant difference according to sex. 3. The most common causative agent of DRESS was carbamazepine (50%), followed by allopurinol, captopril, phenytoin and antituberculous medications. 4. DRESS developed 2-10 weeks after administration of the causative agent, and the average latent period was 4.6 weeks.

Keyword

Pressure alopecia; Local ischemia; Recover; Prevent

MeSH Terms

Age of Onset
Allopurinol
Busan
Captopril
Carbamazepine
Diagnosis
Drug Eruptions*
Eosinophilia*
Exanthema*
Humans
Incidence
Phenytoin
Retrospective Studies
Allopurinol
Captopril
Carbamazepine
Phenytoin