Drug-induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome/drug Reaction With Eosinophilia And Systemic Symptoms Research Articles

SAT440 DRESS/DHIS-associated Thyroiditis And Hypophysitis

Abstract Disclosure: I.R. Ranasinghe: None. M.S. Elston: None. V. Boyle: None. Introduction: Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS/DIHS) is a severe life-threatening adverse reaction to specific drugs, including cephalosporin antibiotics (1). It is characterised by rash, fever, eosinophilia, lymphadenopathy, and inflammation of internal organs. Endocrine complications in the form of thyroid disease and Type 1 Diabetes have been reported following DRESS/DIHS (2). We report a case of thyroiditis and hypophysitis following cephalosporin-associated DRESS/DIHS. Case: A 21-year-old male farmer suffered a tractor crash accident resulting in hospitalization for bilateral compound distal femur fractures. He had no past medical history of note. One month later, he developed a maculopapular rash involving his limbs, mouth ulcers, fever, liver function derangement and eosinophilia. Punch biopsy was consistent with DRESS/DHIS. A 2- week tapering course of prednisone was initiated at 40mg daily in conjunction with a topical corticosteroid for 9 days with resolution of rash. Review of medication charts identified the most likely causative agent as cefazolin. An Endocrine consult was requested a month later due to new hypercalcemia. Investigations revealed new onset thyrotoxicosis and a decreasing morning cortisol over the following week despite having stopped all steroids one month earlier, normal ACTH, mildly elevated prolactin and secondary hypogonadism. Short Synacthen test showed suboptimal response. TRAb were negative and technetium thyroid scanning demonstrated a thyroiditis. MRI pituitary was unremarkable. He was commenced on hydrocortisone replacement for symptomatic cortisol deficiency. Biochemical abnormalities gradually normalized and his hydrocortisone ceased with symptomatic resolution. Endocrine involvement, particularly pancreas and thyroid has previously been reported in cases of DHIS/DRESS (3) (4). In this case, DHIS/DRESS-associated hypophysitis with thyroiditis may explain the clinical findings of pituitary dysfunction affecting multiple pituitary axes and the gradual recovery to normal pituitary function.

Elevated serum osteopontin levels in patients with severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions.

Osteopontin (OPN) was initially described as a protein involved in bone metabolism, but the roles played by OPN in the immune system and allergic reactions have attracted increasing attention. Here, we clarify the OPN-related dynamics of severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions, and assess whether the OPN level has utility for classifying such reactions and serving as a biomarker of severity. Serum OPN levels in patients with drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS), Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) and erythema multiforme-type drug reaction (EM-DR) were quantified by ELISA. The OPN sources were analyzed by dual immunofluorescence assay of DIHS, SJS/TEN and EM-DR biopsy specimens. The serum OPN levels of DIHS/DRESS patients (489.1 ± 37.0ng/mL) and SJS/TEN patients (508.5 ± 47.8ng/mL) were significantly higher compared with controls (314.4 ± 14.3ng/mL; p < 0.001). After treatment, the serum OPN level of DIHS/DRESS patients decreased to that of controls. In addition, OPN levels in DIHS/DRESS patients and SJS/TEN patients were higher than in patients with EM-DR (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.05). However, when the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the OPN levels among the three groups of patients, the difference was not significant (p=0.055). Dual immunofluorescence assay revealed that T lymphocytes and macrophages were the main OPN sources in DIHS, SJS/TEN and EM-DR patients. These data suggest that the OPN level can be used to evaluate the severity of inflammation in patients experiencing drug reactions.

054 Combination of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine and soluble OX40 as a diagnostic biomarker for DIHS/DRESS

Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS) is a severe drug-induced adverse reaction with fever, cutaneous eruptions, hematological abnormalities, organ dysfunction, and reactivation of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6). Although rapid diagnosis is necessary for the management of DIHS/DRESS, it is difficult to distinguish the early phase of DIHS/DRESS from other drug eruptions. We have previously reported that thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), which plays an important role in Th2-mediated immune-inflammatory processes such as atopic dermatitis, and serum soluble OX40 (CD134), which has an important role in allergic inflammation and functions as a cellular receptor for HHV-6 entry, can be a useful diagnostic marker for DIHS/DRESS. The sensitivity and specificity of sOX40 (cut-off value 213 pg/ml) for the diagnosis of DIHS/DRESS were 67% and 80%, respectively. Those of TARC (cut-off value 4000 pg/ml) were 72% and 77%, respectively. In this study, in order to reveal the relationship between serum soluble OX40 and TARC levels in the acute phase of DIHS/DRESS as well as the sensitivity and specificity of serological test using both soluble OX40 and TARC for diagnosis of DIHS/DRESS, we analyzed the sera of DIHS/DRESS patients presenting to our department. We found that the two markers were significantly correlated, and the combination of sOX40 and TARC significantly increased sensitivity to 85% but decreased specificity to 73%. The combined determination using sOX40 and TARC levels may be useful to increase the detection rate of DIHS/DRESS.

Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome (DIHS)/Drug Reaction With Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS): Clinical Features and Pathogenesis

Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS) is one example of a severe delayed T-cell-mediated adverse drug reaction. DIHS/DRESS presents with fever, widespread rash and facial edema, organ involvement, and hematological abnormalities, including eosinophilia and atypical lymphocytosis. DIHS/DRESS is associated with relapse 2 to 4 weeks after acute symptoms, often coinciding with reactivation of prevalent chronic persistent human herpesviruses such as human herpesvirus 6, EBV, and cytomegalovirus. The mortality of DIHS/DRESS is up to 10% and often related to unrecognized myocarditis and cytomegalovirus complications, with longer-term consequences that contribute to morbidity including autoimmune diseases such as thyroiditis. It is essential that all potential drug causes, including all new drugs introduced within the 8 weeks preceding onset of DIHS/DRESS symptoms, are identified. All potential drug culprits, as well as drugs that are closely related structurally to the culprit drug, should be avoided in the future. Systemic corticosteroids have remained the mainstay for the treatment of DIHS/DRESS with internal organ involvement. Steroid-sparing agents, such as cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and monthly intravenous immune globulin, have been successfully used for treatment, and careful follow-up for cytomegalovirus reactivation is recommended. Strong associations between HLA class I alleles and DIHS/DRESS predisposition include HLA-B∗13:01 and dapsone, HLA-B∗58:01 and allopurinol, and HLA-B∗32:01 and vancomycin. These have opened a pathway for prevention, risk stratification, and earlier diagnosis. Single-cell sequencing and other studies of immunopathogenesis promise to identify targeted treatment approaches.

Morphologic Spectrum of Lymphadenopathy in Drug Reaction With Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms Syndrome.

Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a drug-induced, adverse T-cell-mediated hypersensitivity reaction that most often involves skin. The pathologic findings of DRESS-related lymphadenopathy have been described infrequently in the literature. To present a case series of DRESS-related lymphadenopathy with an emphasis on the morphologic spectrum. We describe detailed clinical and pathologic findings along with the literature review. We focus on the differential diagnosis between DRESS lymphadenopathy and angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). There were 4 men and 1 woman with a mean age of 41 years (range, 23-59 years). One patient (20%) died. Three lymph node biopsy specimens showed a pattern reminiscent of AITL (AITL-like pattern) and 2 cases showed necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi-like pattern), associated with vasculitis in 1 case. The AITL-like morphology of DRESS-related lymphadenopathy may be difficult to distinguish from genuine AITL. The clinical information is important for differential diagnosis, including history of drug exposure, age, and the rarity or absence of AITL-associated manifestations such as hemolytic anemia and hypergammaglobulinemia. Molecular analysis of the T-cell receptor genes is helpful, typically revealing a polyclonal pattern in DRESS-related lymphadenopathy. In the literature, 4 histologic patterns of DRESS lymphadenopathy have been described: reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, necrotizing lymphadenitis, Hodgkin lymphoma-like, and AITL-like. These patterns, particularly those that resemble lymphoma, highlight the importance of correct diagnosis to avoid unnecessary therapies.

Serum Soluble OX40 as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker for Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome/Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms

Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS) is a severe adverse drug reaction commonly associated with the reactivation of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6). There are currently no adequate biomarkers for the early diagnosis and detection of DIHS/DRESS. Notably, OX40 (CD134) has an important role in allergic inflammation and functions as a cellular receptor for HHV-6 entry. We previously reported that the membrane-bound form of OX40 in CD4+ T cells was upregulated in DIHS/DRESS. We sought to investigate the clinical significance of serum soluble OX40 (sOX40) in DIHS/DRESS. Serum sOX40 levels in patients with DIHS/DRESS (n= 39), maculopapular exanthema/erythema multiforme (n= 17), Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (n= 13), or autoimmune bullous diseases (n= 5), and levels in healthy volunteers (n= 5) were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Copy numbers of HHV-6, HHV-7, and cytomegalovirus in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were quantified using real-time PCR. Serum sOX40 levels in patients with DIHS/DRESS in the acute stage were elevated in parallel with high OX40 expression on CD4+ T cells. Serum sOX40 levels were significantly positively correlated with disease severity and serum levels of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine, IL-5, and IL-10. Human herpesvirus 6-positive patients had higher sOX40 levels than did HHV-6-negative patients, and serum sOX40 levels were correlated with HHV-6 DNA loads. Serum sOX40 levels can be a useful diagnostic marker for DIHS/DRESS that reflect disease severity. Elevated serum sOX40 levels also predict HHV-6 reactivation in patients with DIHS/DRESS.

Current Perspective Regarding the Immunopathogenesis of Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome/Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DIHS/DRESS).

Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS) is a severe type of adverse drug eruption associated with multiorgan involvement and the reactivation of human herpesvirus 6, which arises after prolonged exposure to certain drugs. Typically, two waves of disease activity occur during the course of DIHS/DRESS; however, some patients experience multiple waves of exacerbation and remission of the disease. Severe complications, some of which are related to cytomegalovirus reactivation, can be fatal. DIHS/DRESS is distinct from other drug reactions, as it involves herpes virus reactivation and can lead to the subsequent development of autoimmune diseases. The association between herpesviruses and DIHS/DRESS is now well established, and DIHS/DRESS is considered to arise as a result of complex interactions between several herpesviruses and comprehensive immune responses, including drug-specific immune responses and antiviral immune responses, each of which may be mediated by distinct types of immune cells. It appears that both CD4 and CD8 T cells are involved in the pathogenesis of DIHS/DRESS but play distinct roles. CD4 T cells mainly initiate drug allergies in response to drug antigens, and then herpesvirus-specific CD8 T cells that target virus-infected cells emerge, resulting in tissue damage. Regulatory T-cell dynamics are also suggested to contribute to the diverse symptoms of DIHS/DRESS. However, the pathomechanisms of this complex disease remain largely unknown. In particular, how viral infections contribute to the pathogenesis of DIHS/DRESS and why autoimmune sequelae arise in DIHS/DRESS are yet to be elucidated. This review describes the clinical features of DIHS/DRESS, including the associated complications and sequelae, and discusses recent advances in our understanding of the immunopathogenic mechanisms of DIHS/DRESS.

Co-Occurrence of Multiple Endocrine Abnormalities Induced by the DIHS/DRESS.

Background Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS) is a severe adverse reaction caused by specific drugs. However, little information is available about sequelae following DIHS/DRESS resolution from an endocrinologist's perspective. This study aimed to investigate the endocrine sequelae following DIHS/DRESS, from clinical feature to etiology. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the patients diagnosed with DIHS/DRESS in Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) during the period of 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2017, and those who developed endocrine disorders after DIHS/DRESS were further examined. We also reviewed the literature, from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2017, on involvement of endocrine glands in DIHS/DRESS patients. Results Three patients developed both autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) and type 1 diabetes (T1DM)/fulminant type 1 diabetes (FT1DM) of the 45 patients. Seven cases involving more than two endocrine glands were reported in the literature. Our results indicated that DIHS/DRESS is a potential etiological factor of autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome (APS), especially APS III. Conclusions Patients require careful long-term follow-up after DIHS/DRESS. Involvement of endocrine glands, especially FT1DM, should always be monitored in patients with a history of DIHS/DRESS. This study indicated that DIHS/DRESS could lead to APS, especially APS III, providing novel insights into the etiological factors of APS.

An update on HLA alleles as pharmacogenetic markers for antiepileptic drug-induced cutaneous adverse reaction

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder affecting approximately 50 million people worldwide. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are commonly used to treat the disease depending, mainly on the type of seizure. However, the use of AEDs may also lead to cutaneous adverse drug reactions (cADR) such as toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS), exfoliative dermatitis (ED) and drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS), which are unwanted comorbidities in epilepsy. It was first discovered that the HLA-B*15:02 allele was strongly associated with carbamazepine (CBZ)-induced SJS/TEN among Han Chinese and this led to the discovery of other HLA alleles and cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes that were significantly associated with various AED-induced cADRs across various populations. This mini review is an update on the latest findings of the involvement of various HLA alleles and CYP alleles in cADRs caused by CBZ, phenytoin (PHT), oxcarbazepine (OXC) and lamitrogine (LTG) in different case-control studies around the world. From our review, we found that CBZ- and PHT-induced cADRs were more commonly reported than the other AEDs. Therefore, there were more robust pharmacogenetics studies related to these AEDs. OXC- and LTG-induced cADRs were less commonly reported, and so more studies are needed to validate the reported association of the newer reported HLA alleles with these AEDs. It is also important to take into account the allelic frequency within a given population before drawing conclusions about the use of these alleles as genetic markers to prevent AED-induced cADR. Overall, the current body of research point to a combination of alleles as a better pharmacogenetic marker compared to the use of a single gene as a genetic marker for AED-induced cADR.

480 The characteristics of patients with persistent HHV-6 infection after drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS)

Background: Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS) is characterized by fever, cutaneous eruptions, hematological abnormalities, organ disorder, and reactivation of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6). In addition, autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes and thyroiditis may develop long-term after resolution of DIHS. Reactivation of HHV-6 has been reported to be involved in clinical condition of DIHS. We found that quite a few patients harbor high levels (> 1000 copies / 106 PBMC) of HHV-6 DNA in PBMC over 4 months after onset of DIHS. However, it is unclear what effects persistent HHV-6 infection has on DIHS patients in chronic phase. Methods: We analyzed clinical symptoms, blood test findings, reactivation of herpes virus, expression of serum cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IFN-γ) and soluble IL-2 receptor for 8 DIHS patients with persistent HHV-6 infection and 10 patients with transient HHV-6 infection. Results: Compared to the transient HHV-6 infection group, persistent HHV-6 infection group showed 1) more severe acute phase cutaneous and mucosal eruptions, 2) higher levels of HHV-6 DNA in acute phase, 3) higher rate of cytomegalovirus reactivation, 4) higher levels of IL-4 in acute phase and higher levels of soluble IL-2 receptor in late phase, 5) higher rate of long-term complications (ie, interstitial nephritis, arthritis, thyroiditis). Conclusion: Persistent HHV-6 infection may have some influence on the pathological and immunological conditions of DIHS and may be involved in the clinical course and prognosis.

Monocytes are involved in the balance between regulatory T cells and Th17 cells in severe drug eruptions.

Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DiHS/DRESS) is a distinct phenotype of severe drug eruptions characterized by sequential reactivations of herpesviruses. Although a progressive loss of suppressive function in regulatory T cells (Tregs) occurred during the course of DiHS/DRESS, but not in Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN), no previous studies investigated the mechanism. Given the recent finding that Treg development could be differentially regulated by CD16+ patrolling monocytes (pMOs) and CD14+ classical monocytes (cMOs), we can hypothesize that a differential fine-tuned interaction between Tregs and monocytes is the driving force behind the possible shift from Tregs to Th17 cells over a prolonged period of time in DiHS/DRESS. To investigate whether the shift from Treg to Th17 could specifically occur during the course of DiHS/DRESS and to elucidate which subsets of monocytes could be involved in the shift. We performed a prospective longitudinal study on the frequencies of Tregs, Th17 cells and monocyte subsets after onset of DiHS/DRESS and SJS/TEN, and long after their clinical resolutions. We next examined whether pMOs and cMOs could have a strong impact on the Th17/Treg differentiation and which cytokines could be crucial for the interaction between Th17/Tregs and MO subsets, by invitro cocultures. Selective depletion of pMOs occurring at the acute stage of DiHS/DRESS was associated with the relative increase in the frequencies of cMOs producing IL-10 and it did drive Treg expansions. After clinical resolution, pMOs producing IL-6 were alternatively recruited and contributed to the eventual shift from a Treg to Th17 responses. The gradual shift from Treg to Th17 cell development observed during the clinical course of DiHS/DRESS is mediated by the predominance of cMOs at the acute stage and alternatively recruited pMOs at the resolution stage, respectively.

The importance of considering skin diseases from a temporal perspective: Special emphasis on the effects of corticosteroids and virally induced diseases

AbstractThe efficacy and safety of medical therapies assessed on the basis of short‐term outcomes are often considered to inform the long‐term outcomes. Even in corticosteroid therapy, either systemic or topical, which is most frequently used as a first‐line therapy to control inflammation, few studies have reported the risk/benefit ratio for long‐term outcomes. Thus, a temporal perspective should be added to our conventional understanding of the effectiveness of medical therapies. In this review, we initially describe the importance of considering the efficacy of corticosteroid therapy based not only on short‐term outcomes, but also on long‐term outcomes of a certain type of severe drug eruption, drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DiHS/DRESS). Our view is exemplified by our recent analysis of previously reported cases of DiHS/DRESS, revealing that aggressive treatment such as pulsed corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin, although beneficial in the short term, paradoxically has deleterious effects such as autoimmune sequelae in the long term. Thus, measuring the therapeutic efficacy from only a short‐term perspective is insufficient and follow‐up examination of these patients for at least three years is required even after complete resolution is observed. Various cutaneous diseases refractory to conventional therapies that occur after resolution of herpes zoster also require a temporal perspective to understand how cutaneous diseases develop at a certain site. We describe the clinical usefulness of considering the dual actions of corticosteroids, antiinflammatory, and immunostimulatory, depending on the situations in which they are used.

Lymphoproliferative Syndromes Associated with Human Herpesvirus-6A and Human Herpesvirus-6B.

Human herpesvirus 6A and 6B (HHV-6A and HHV-6B) have been noted since their discovery for their T-lymphotropism. Although it has proven difficult to determine the extent to which HHV-6A and HHV-6B are involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases, evidence suggests that primary infection and reactivation of both viruses may induce or contribute to the progression of several lymphoproliferative disorders, ranging from benign to malignant and including infectious mononucleosis-like illness, drug induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS), and nodular sclerosis Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Herein, we discuss the conditions associated with the lymphoproliferative capacity of HHV-6, as well as the potential mechanisms behind them. Continued exploration on this topic may add to our understanding of the interactions between HHV-6 and the immune system and may open the doors to more accurate diagnosis and treatment of certain lymphoproliferative disorders.

Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS): 11 years retrospective study in Thailand

BackgroundDrug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a rare but life-threatening adverse drug reaction. Several criteria have been established to aid the diagnosis. However, patients with DRESS remained underdiagnosis and undertreatment. MethodsMedical records of hospitalized patients at the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital from January 2004–December 2014 due to DRESS were enrolled retrospectively using RegiSCAR diagnostic criteria. ResultsA total of 52 patients were included. Thirty-seven patients (71.2%) were female. The four most common causative agents were phenytoin (23.1%), nevirapine (17.3%), allopurinol (15.4%), and cotrimoxazole (13.5%). The overall prevalence was 9.63 cases per 100,000 inpatients. Median onset time (IQR) was 16 (9–27) days. Allopurinol was associated with longer onset time than others (p = 0.014). Clinical presentation: skin rash 100%, fever 78.8%, and lymphadenopathy 50%. The majority (84.6%) had single internal organ involvement. The most common internal organ involvement was liver (94.2%). Allopurinol was associated with higher incidence of renal involvement (p = 0.01). Up to 60% of patients had eosinophilia. Allopurinol was associated with higher eosinophilia (p = 0.003). A half of patients received systemic corticosteroids. Two mortality cases were reported (omeprazole-fulminant hepatitis and phenytoin-nosocomial infection). ConclusionsDRESS is associated with severe morbidity and mortality. Phenytoin, nevirapine, allopurinol, and cotrimoxazole were the major causes. Allopurinol-induced DRESS had the longest onset time, and was associated with higher eosinophilia and incidence of renal involvement. Raising awareness among both health care providers and public for early detection and withdrawal of the causative agent is critical to save life and reduce morbidity.

Sequelae in 145 patients with drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms: survey conducted by the Asian Research Committee on Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (ASCAR).

Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS) is a severe adverse drug reaction caused by specific drug. It is characterized by visceral organ involvement and reactivation of various human herpesviruses. Although sporadic reports have documented certain conditions that appear after the resolution of DIHS/DRESS, little information is available on sequelae after resolution of DIHS/DRESS in a large patient population. The Asian Research Committee on Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions, comprised of doctors from Japan and Taiwan, conducted a survey on sequelae and deterioration of the underlying disease in patients with DIHS/DRESS. This was achieved by directly interviewing patients who had been followed-up by experts or through a questionnaire mailed to patients. Questions were asked about new onset cardiovascular disease, collagen disease or autoimmune disease, gastrointestinal disease, renal disease, respiratory disease, neoplasms, and other diseases such as herpes zoster and diabetes mellitus, as well as deterioration of the underlying disease. A total of 145 patients were analyzed in this study. The following newly developed diseases after recovery from DIHS/DRESS were observed: Graves' disease (n = 2), Hashimoto's disease (n = 3), painless thyroiditis (n = 2), fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus (n = 5), and infectious diseases (n = 7). Several DIHS/DRESS patients with pre-existing renal dysfunction required lifelong hemodialysis. DIHS/DRESS is a condition that increases the risk of new onset of disease. Long-term observation of DIHS/DRESS can provide an opportunity to investigate substantial diseases from onset to the full-blown stage. Patients with DIHS/DRESS require careful long-term follow-up.

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome observed in the setting of drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS)

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is originally described in association with antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV infected patients. IRIS consists of a broad spectrum of inflammatory diseases, such as infectious inflammatory, neoplastic, and autoimmune diseases, that present after starting an effective ART, leading to CD4+ cells increase and plasma HIV-RNA reduction. IRIS reflects either worsening of an already-diagnosed infection or presentation of previously subclinical infection. Opportunistic pathogens include cryptococcus, mycobacterium, herpesviruses, or also auto-antigens. The paradoxical worsening of clinical symptoms as observed in IRIS is also the phenomenon of drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS). In the course of DIHS/DRESS, cytomegalovirus diseases and herpes zoster are observed coincidently with the increase in lymphocytes or rapid reduction of systemic corticosteroids. Based on the similar manifestations between IRIS and DIHS/DRESS, DIHS/DRESS can be seen in a broad context as another manifestation of IRIS. Although the mechanisms of IRIS is complex and variable, depending on the latent pathogens and shift of immune status, use of the concept of IRIS can help our recognition of various manifestations that occur in the setting of DIHS/DRESS. The understanding of IRIS may improve the morbidity and mortality rates of DIHS/DRESS.

Long-term outcome of patients with severe cutaneous adverse reactions

Abstract Visceral involvement associated with Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) and drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS) is well documented. However, little is known about the long-term outcomes of severe drug eruptions due to a lack of long-term follow-up. Long-term sequelae may arise in patients who survive the acute complications of severe drug reactions. In SJS/TEN, extensive scarring that result from the healing of mucocutaneous ulcerative lesions may interfere with organ function. Severe sequelae include visual impairment and pulmonary obliterative disease that impair patients' quality of life. In DIHS/DRESS, recent observations suggest that fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus (FT1D) and autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune thyroiditis and lupus erythematosus can occur after a disease-free period of several months to years. Thus, DIHS/DRESS may lead to the development of autoimmune diseases, which may be overlooked. Dermatologists need to be aware of the sequelae that may arise following resolution of severe cutaneous adverse reactions and should be vigilant for manifestations of autoimmune disease during follow-up.

Treatment of DIHS/DRESS syndrome with combined N-acetylcysteine, prednisone and valganciclovir – a hypothesis

SummaryBackgroundDrug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS) is a rare and severe adverse drug reaction with an associated mortality of 10–20%. Clinical worsening despite discontinuation of the culprit drug is considered a characteristic feature of DIHS/DRESS. Besides the early recognition of the syndrome and discontinuation of its causative drug, the mainstay of treatment is systemic corticosteroids. Nevertheless, treatment of severe DIHS/DRESS is not well defined, as corticosteroids may sometimes not be effective, and decreasing the dose may be associated with flaring of the disease.Case ReportA 38-year-old woman with high fever, malaise, abdominal pain, rash, and elevated liver enzymes received immediate high-dose N-acetylcysteine, because acetaminophen hepatotoxicity was suspected. N-acetylcysteine administration was associated with a significant clinical improvement. However, within the next week DIHS/DRESS syndrome was diagnosed, which explained all the symptoms, and which was subsequently treated with prednisone and valganciclovir.ConclusionsNew options necessary to improve treatment of severe DIHD/DRESS have to consider its sequential pathogenetic mechanisms. N-acetylcysteine might neutralize the drug-derived reactive metabolites, which are responsible for protein adduct formation and specific T cell stimulation, and replete the glutathione stores that counterbalance oxidative stress. Prednisone might inhibit lymphoproliferation and valganciclovir might prevent complications related to HHV-6 reactivation. We therefore propose the unprecedented combination of N-acetylcysteine, prednisone and valganciclovir as a treatment option for DIHS/DRESS.