Time is skin: What does the emergency physician need to know about DRESS?

Abstract

Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) syndrome, also known as Drug Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome (DIHS), is an acute drug-induced hypersensitivity reaction. The pathogenesis of this syndrome, which can develop due to many drugs, especially antiepileptic agents, is not known exactly. This syndrome, which was denominated “hydantoin hypersensitivity” in 1950, was renamed as “DRESS syndrome” by Bocquet and his colleagues in 1996 and the first diagnostic criteria were determined. Unlike syndromes that may develop due to other drugs, DRESS syndrome customarily commences 2-8 weeks after the commencement of the drug, and symptoms perpetuate to progress after discontinuation of the responsible drug. Symptoms such as fever, lymphadenopathy, hematological disorders, maculopapular rash and internal organ involvement are common in this syndrome. Diagnosis of DRESS syndrome is often difficult, as the clinical manifestations are varied and the latent period after the initiation of drug use can be up to 3 months. Thus, it is thought that the diagnosis of DRESS should be in the minds of all doctors, especially emergency physicians.