DRESS/DIHS syndrome induced by sulfasalazine

Abstract

Among the manifestations of drug hypersensitivity, DRESS/DIHS syndrome is of particular importance. The clinical manifestations include rash, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, hepatitis, leukocytosis with eosinophilia, as well as the involvement of other organs and systems. The most common causative agents include anticonvulsants, antidepressants, sulfanilamides, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and allopurinol, but the list is constantly expanding. The exact pathogenesis of DRESS/DIHS syndrome is currently unclear. Timely diagnosis and adequate therapy can improve prognosis of this disease. In our clinical case, DRESS syndrome developed after the patient was administered sulfasalazine for erosive proctosigmoiditis. In order to ensure adequate prevention, early diagnosis, and proper management of DRESS syndrome, it is necessary to raise awareness of practitioners of different specialties about the possibility of developing this undesirable reaction to pharmacotherapy.