Clinical characteristics of drug hypersensitivity syndrome in 10 patients

Abstract

To characterize the clinical characteristics of drug hypersensitivity syndrome (DHS). The clinical characteristics of 10 DHS patients admitted into our hospital were analyzed retrospectively. And the occurrence patterns of DHS were summarized. There were 4 males and 6 females with an age range of 17 to 66 years. Suspected drugs were anticonvulsants (n = 5), allopurinol (n = 2), antibiotics (n = 1), acetaminophen (n = 1) and unknown (n = 1). All cases developed skin rashes with fever within 14 to 60 days (n = 10). Lymphadenopathy was observed (n = 6). Morbilliform eruption was most common skin rash (n = 6); facial swelling was also appeared (n = 7). Eosinophilia was observed in all cases (n = 10). Liver involvement was common (n = 9). Autoimmune antibodies abnormality was uncommon; viral infection was complication in several cases. Glucocorticoids were applied in all cases (n = 10), 3 severe cases were administrated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). The clinical outcomes included discharging with recovery (n = 7), later diagnosed of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 2) and in-hospital death (n = 1). The clinical manifestations of DHS are complicated. And the common reactive drugs include anticonvulsants, allopurinol, antiinflammatory drugs and antibiotics. Some cases may be misdiagnosed and long-term follow-ups are required.