Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions Research Articles

The Use of Biologic Agents for the Treatment of Cutaneous Immune-Related Adverse Events from Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Review of Reported Cases.

Cutaneous immune-related adverse events encompass a spectrum of dermatological manifestations, including lichenoid reactions, psoriasiform eruptions, eczematous dermatitis, immunobullous disorders, granulomatous reactions, pruritus, vitiligo, and severe cutaneous adverse reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. The conventional approach to treating high-grade or refractory cutaneous immune-related adverse events has involved high-dose systemic corticosteroids. However, their use is limited owing to the potential disruption of antitumor responses and associated complications. To address this, corticosteroid-sparing targeted immunomodulators have been explored as therapeutic alternatives. Biologic agents, commonly employed for non-cutaneous immune-related adverse events such as colitis, are increasingly recognized for their efficacy in treating various patterns of cutaneous immune-related adverse events, including psoriasiform, immunobullous, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome-like reactions. This review consolidates findings from the English-language literature, highlighting the use of biologic agents in managing diverse cutaneous immune-related adverse event patterns, also encompassing maculopapular, eczematous, and lichenoid eruptions, pruritus, and transient acantholytic dermatosis (Grover disease). Despite the established efficacy of these agents, further research is necessary to explore their long-term effects on antitumor responses.

Greater mechanistic understanding of the cutaneous pathogenesis of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis can shed light on novel therapeutic strategies: a comprehensive review.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) are severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCARs) characterized by widespread epithelial detachment and blistering, which affects the skin and mucocutaneous membranes. To date, therapeutic interventions for SJS/TEN have focused on systematic suppression of the inflammatory response using high-dose corticosteroids or intravenous immunoglobulin G (IgG), for example. No targeted therapies for SJS/TEN currently exist. Though our understanding of the pathogenesis of SJS/TEN has advanced from both an immunological and dermatological perspective, this knowledge is yet to translate into the development of new targeted therapies. Greater mechanistic insight into SJS/TEN would potentially unlock new opportunities for identifying or repurposing targeted therapies to limit or even prevent epidermal injury and blistering.

Improving clinical practice through patient registries in allergy and immunology

Patient registries are a mechanism for collecting data on allergic and immunologic diseases that provide important information on epidemiology and outcomes that can ultimately improve patient care. Key criteria for establishing effective registries include the use of a clearly defined purpose, identifying the target population and ensuring consistent data collection. Registries in allergic diseases include those for diseases such as inborn errors of immunity, food allergy, asthma and anaphylaxis, pharmacological interventions in vulnerable populations, and adverse effects of pharmacologic interventions including hypersensitivity reactions to drugs and vaccines. Important insights gained from patient registries in our field include contributions in phenotype and outcomes in inborn errors of immunity, the risk for adverse reactions in food-allergic patients in multiple settings, the benefits and risk of biologic medications for asthma during pregnancy, vaccine safety, and the categorization and genetic determination of risk for severe cutaneous adverse reactions to medications. Impediments to the development of clinically meaningful patient registries include the lack of funding resources for registry establishment and the quality, quantity, and consistency of available data. Despite these drawbacks, high-quality and successful registries are invaluable in informing clinical practice and improving outcomes in patients with allergic and immunological diseases.

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions.

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), which include Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (also known as drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, and generalized bullous fixed drug eruption, are life-threatening conditions. The pathogenesis of SCARs involves T cell receptors recognizing drug antigens presented by human leukocyte antigens, triggering the activation of distinct T cell subsets. These cells interact with keratinocytes and various immune cells, orchestrating cutaneous lesions and systemic manifestations. Genetic predisposition, impaired drug metabolism, viral reactivation or infections, and heterologous immunity influence SCAR development and clinical presentation. Specific genetic associations with distinct SCAR phenotypes have been identified, leading to the implementation of genetic screening before prescription in various countries to prevent SCARs. Whilst systemic corticosteroids and conventional immunomodulators have been the primary therapeutic agents, evolving strategies, including biologics and small molecules targeting tumour necrosis factor, different cytokines, or Janus kinase signalling pathways, signify a shift towards a precision management paradigm that considers individual clinical presentations.

Drug induced bullous fixed drug eruption: a case report

Bullous fixed drug eruption, which is a cutaneous adverse drug reaction, is commonly seen with antimicrobials and analgesics. Bullous drug eruptions are infrequent, but because they pose a challenge both to affected patients and to treating physicians, they are considered to be the most severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR). It is important to recognize these conditions and to differentiate them from other clinical entities involving blister formation. There may be early signs and symptoms that indicate a severe bullous drug eruption even before blisters and erosions of the skin and mucous membranes become obvious. Once the diagnosis is suspected, appropriate diagnostic procedures and adequate management must be initiated. The latter includes identification of the potentially inducing drug, although it should be taken into account that not all cases of bullous eruptions are drug-induced. In cases with drug causality the potentially culprit agent must be withdrawn, while in cases with other aetiology the underlying condition, e.g. an infection, must be treated appropriately. In addition to best supportive care, immunomodulating therapy may be considered. Here we report 64-year-old male with bullous fixed drug eruptions due to doxycycline administration.

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions.

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions.

Clinical features of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms: A retrospective study in a reference centre of dermatology in Madagascar

AbstractBackgroundDrug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is drug‐induced hypersensitivity reaction that can have fatal complications. Three sets of diagnostic criteria have been proposed, however, consensus is lacking.ObjectivesThis study aimed to describe the causative agents, severity, and the clinical course of patients with DRESS in Antananarivo, Madagascar.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted in patients seen for DRESS, in the department of dermatology at the University Hospital Antananarivo, Madagascar from 2014 to 2022. European Registry of Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (RegiSCAR) criteria was used for the diagnosis. Demographic data, latency periods, clinical and laboratory findings, culprit drugs, and outcomes were assessed.ResultsA total of 24 patients were included. Fifteen patients were female. The three most common culprit drugs were carbamazepine (17 patients), phenobarbital (2 patients), and ampicilline (2 patients). Median onset time (interquartile range) was 20 days (range: 7–62 days). Skin rash was present in all patients, and fever in 18 patients. A total of 12 patients showed two or more internal organs involved. Liver and kidney injuries were the most common visceral manifestation. All patients had eosinophilia. Fifteen patients received systemic corticosteroids. Two mortality cases were reported due to DRESS‐related fulminant liver failure and to nosocomial respiratory infection. Mortality was associated with higher eosinophilia (p = 0.03), higher creatininemia (p = 0.04), and shorter time of latency (p = 0.04).ConclusionsOur study show that DRESS is associated with severe morbidity. Early detection and withdrawal of the culprit dru gis crucial to save life and reduce morbidity.

Antiepileptic Medication-induced Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions in Hospitalized Children: A Retrospective Study

There are limited data on severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) associated with antiepileptic medications. The current study aims to investigate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of antiepileptic medication-induced SCARs in hospitalized children.
 This five-year retrospective study was conducted at Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The study included all children with a diagnosis of SCARs secondary to antiepileptic medications as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). In our study SCARs were categorized into three groups: drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and a group with symptoms overlapping between maculopapular eruptions (MPE) and DRESS.
 Among 259 children with SCARs induced by antiepileptic medications, 199 (76.83%), 42 (16.22%), and 18 (6.95%) had overlapping MPE/DRESS, DRESS, and SJS/TEN, respectively. Phenobarbital was the most common offending drug among SCARs. The multinomial logistic regression model revealed that lymphadenopathy increased DRESS occurrence by 35 times compared to overlapping MPE/DRESS. Girls were at risk of SJS/TEN approximately 6 times more than boys. Age, weight, and mucosal involvement affected hospitalization duration in children with SCARs related to antiepileptic medication.
 There are some similarities and differences in the clinical and epidemiological features of Iranian children suffering from antiepileptic medication-induced SCARs.

In-vivo and ex-vivo tests for culprit drugs identification in severe cutaneous adverse drugs reactions.

Drug causality assessment in severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) remains challenging. We investigated the usefulness of in-vivo drug patch tests (PT), ex-vivo interferon (IFN)-γ enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) assay, and lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) in 30 SCARs patients within the past 36 months. Drug PT yielded a 20% positivity rate (n = 6), while IFN-γ ELISpot and LTT showed positive rates of 56.67% (n = 17) and 41.38% (n = 12), respectively. Combining the three tests resulted in an overall positive rate of 66.67% (n = 20) of cases. IFN-γ ELISpot offered additional positivity, especially with oxypurinol. Employing a combined diagnostic approach may enhance the chances of obtaining a positive result.

Vesiculopustular drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms induced by levetiracetam

AbstractDrug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe cutaneous adverse reaction characterised by fever, lymphadenopathy, morbilliform rash, haematologic abnormalities, and multiorgan involvement. Herein, we describe a 32‐year‐old female presenting with a 9‐day history of facial oedema, cervical and inguinal lymphadenopathy, and a pruritic rash comprised of vesicles and pustules on her face, trunk, and extremities. Her only medications were valproate, which she had been taking for several years, and levetiracetam, which was initiated 41 days prior to rash onset. On the 16th day of her rash, she was diagnosed with DRESS induced by levetiracetam (Registry of Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions: 5). At this point, her absolute eosinophil count was 0.9 × 109 cells/L and aspartate and alanine transaminase levels were 357 and 339 U/L, respectively. Pustules with a morbilliform rash may occur in up to 30% of DRESS cases. In rarer instances, as in our patient, DRESS can present with isolated pustules and vesicles. Similarly, although rare, DRESS can be induced by levetiracetam.

Human Leukocyte Antigens and Sulfamethoxazole/Cotrimoxazole–Induced Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions

Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and cotrimoxazole (CTX), a fixed-dose combination of SMX and trimethoprim in a 5:1 ratio, are antibacterial sulfonamides commonly used for treating various diseases. A substantial prevalence of severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) following the administration of these drugs has been reported. However, the association between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotypes and SMX/CTX-induced SCARs has remained unclear. To investigate the association between HLA genotypes and SMX/CTX-induced SCARs. A comprehensive search was conducted in CENTRAL (Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, and Embase from inception to January 17, 2023. Case-control studies that recruited patients who had experienced SCARs following SMX or CTX were included, and HLA alleles were analyzed. Two independent authors extracted data on study characteristics and outcome data. The Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) reporting guideline and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines were followed. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for case-control studies was used to assess study quality. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using a random-effects model for meta-analysis. The prespecified outcome was the OR comparing SMX/CTX-induced SCARs with healthy or SMX/CTX-tolerant controls based on different HLA alleles. Six studies involving 322 patients with SCAR were included, including 236 patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis, 86 with drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, 8448 healthy controls, and 229 tolerant controls. Significant associations were found in HLA-A*11:01 (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.11-4.00), HLA-B*13:01 (OR, 5.96; 95% CI, 1.58-22.56), HLA-B*15:02 (OR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.20-4.14), HLA-B*38:02 (OR, 3.47; 95% CI, 1.42-8.48), and HLA-C*08:01 (OR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.07-6.44) compared with tolerant controls. In the Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis subgroup, significant associations were found in HLA-B*15:02 (OR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.56-5.80) and HLA-B*38:02 (OR, 5.13; 95% CI, 1.96-13.47). In the drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms subgroup, significant associations were found in HLA-A*68:01 (OR, 12.86; 95% CI, 1.09-151.34), HLA-B*13:01 (OR, 23.09; 95% CI, 3.31-161.00), HLA-B*39:01 (OR, 4.56; 95% CI, 1.31-15.82). The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that multiple HLA alleles (HLA-A*11:01, HLA-B*13:01, HLA-B*15:02, HLA-B*38:02, and HLA-C*0801) are associated with SMX/CTX-induced SCARs.

Precision in Language Regarding Geographic Region of Origin in Severe Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reaction Research

Precision in Language Regarding Geographic Region of Origin in Severe Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reaction Research

Identification and Characterization of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Toxicities From Electronic Health Records Using Natural Language Processing.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment, yet their use is associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Estimating the prevalence and patient impact of these irAEs in the real-world data setting is critical for characterizing the benefit/risk profile of ICI therapies beyond the clinical trial population. Diagnosis codes, such as International Classification of Diseases codes, do not comprehensively illustrate a patient's care journey and offer no insight into drug-irAE causality. This study aims to capture the relationship between ICIs and irAEs more accurately by using augmented curation (AC), a natural language processing-based innovation, on unstructured data in electronic health records. In a cohort of 9,290 patients treated with ICIs at Mayo Clinic from 2005 to 2021, we compared the prevalence of irAEs using diagnosis codes and AC models, which classify drug-irAE pairs in clinical notes with implied textual causality. Four illustrative irAEs with high patient impact-myocarditis, encephalitis, pneumonitis, and severe cutaneous adverse reactions, abbreviated as MEPS-were analyzed using corticosteroid administration and ICI discontinuation as proxies of severity. For MEPS, only 70% (n = 118) of patients found by AC were also identified by diagnosis codes. Using AC models, patients with MEPS received corticosteroids for their respective irAE 82% of the time and permanently discontinued the ICI because of the irAE 35.9% (n = 115) of the time. Overall, AC models enabled more accurate identification and assessment of patient impact of ICI-induced irAEs not found using diagnosis codes, demonstrating a novel and more efficient strategy to assess real-world clinical outcomes in patients treated with ICIs.

Clinical spectrum and evolution of immune-checkpoint inhibitors toxicities over a decade—a worldwide perspective

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have revolutionized cancer treatment by harnessing the immune system but ICI can induce life-threatening immune-related adverse events (irAE) affecting every organ. We extracted irAE from VigiBase, the international pharmacovigilance database, first reported in 2008 until 01/2023 to characterize irAE reporting trends, clinical features, risk factors and outcomes. We distinguished 25 types of irAE (n=50,347cases, single irAE/case in 84.9%). Cases mainly involved anti-PD1 (programmed-death-1) monotherapy (62.4%) in male (61.7%) aged 64.3±12.6 years. After 2020 vs. prior to 2016, proportion of anti-CTLA4 (Cytotoxic-T-Lymphocyte-Antigen-4) monotherapy prescription almost vanished (1.6% vs. 47%, respectively) contrasting with increased use of anti-PDL1 (PD1-ligand) monotherapy (18% vs. 0.9%) and anti-CTLA4+anti-PD(L)1 combination (20% vs. 8.9%). Anti-LAG3 (Lymphocyte-Activation-Gene-3) prescription was limited (<1%) in the studied timeframe. After 2020, over 14 different cancer types were treated vs. almost exclusively melanoma and lung cancers before 2016. Overall, the most reported irAE were skin reactions (22.9%), pneumonitis (18.5%), enterocolitis (14.4%) and thyroiditis (12.1%). ICI-myotoxicities (6.6%) included myositis, myocarditis and myasthenia-gravis like syndrome and were the most overlapping irAE (up to 30% overlap, vs. <3% in general for other inter-irAE overlap). The top factors associated with specific irAE (odds-ratio>5) were presence of thymic cancer for ICI-myotoxicities or hepatitis; presence of melanoma for vitiligo, uveitis or sarcoidosis; specific types of ICI regimen (anti-LAG3 for meningitis, anti-CTLA4 for hypophysitis); and specific reporting regions (eastern Asia for cholangitis). Median time-to-onset ranged from 31 to 273 days, being shortest for myotoxicities and most delayed for skin-bullous auto-immune reactions. Overall fatality was highest for myocarditis=27.6%, myasthenia=23.1%, severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR)=22.1%, myositis=21.9%, pneumonitis=21%, and encephalomyelitis=18%; generally decreasing after 2020, except for myasthenia and SCAR. When reported, irAE recurrence rate after rechallenge was 28.9% (n=275/951). This up-to-date comprehensive worldwide pharmacovigilance study defines the spectrum, characteristics, and evolution of irAE reporting summarizing over a decade of use. Multiple risk factors and clinical peculiarities for specific irAE have been identified as signals to guide clinical practice and future research. Paul Gougis was supported by the academic program: "Contrats ED: Programme blanc Institut Curie PSL" for the conduct of his PhD. Baptiste Abbar was supported by "the Fondation ARC Pour le Rechercher Sur le Cancer". The RT2L research group (Institut Curie) was supported by the academic program "SHS INCa", Sanofi iTech award, and by Monoprix∗.

The Application of Knowledge-Based Clinical Decision Support Systems to Detect Antibiotic Allergy.

Prevention of drug allergies is important for patient safety. The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of antibiotic allergy-checking clinical decision support system (CDSS), K-CDSTM. A retrospective chart review study was performed in 29 hospitals and antibiotic allergy alerts data were collected from May to August 2022. A total of 15,535 allergy alert cases from 1586 patients were reviewed. The most frequently prescribed antibiotics were cephalosporins (48.5%), and there were more alerts of potential cross-reactivity between beta-lactam antibiotics than between antibiotics with the same ingredients or of the same class. Regarding allergy symptoms, dermatological disorders were the most common (38.8%), followed by gastrointestinal disorders (28.4%). The 714 cases (4.5%) of immune system disorders included 222 cases of anaphylaxis and 61 cases of severe cutaneous adverse reactions. Alerts for severe symptoms were reported in 6.4% of all cases. This study confirmed that K-CDS can effectively detect antibiotic allergies and prevent the prescription of potentially allergy-causing antibiotics among patients with a history of antibiotic allergies. If K-CDS is expanded to medical institutions nationwide in the future, it can prevent an increase in allergy recurrence related to drug prescriptions through cloud-based allergy detection CDSSs.

Cefazolin as the mainstay for antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with a penicillin allergy in obstetrics and gynecology

Cefazolin is the most common antibiotic used for prophylaxis in obstetrics and gynecology. Among those with a penicillin allergy, alternative antibiotics are often chosen for prophylaxis given fears of cross-reactivity between penicillin and cefazolin. Alternative antibiotics in this setting are associated with adverse sequalae including surgical site infection, induction of bacterial resistance, higher costs to the healthcare system, and possible Clostridium difficile infection. Given the difference in R1 side chains between the penicillin and cefazolin, cefazolin use is safe and should be recommended for penicillin allergic patients including those who experience IgE-mediated reactions such as anaphylaxis. Cefazolin should only be avoided in those who experience a history of a severe, life-threatening delayed hypersensivity reaction manifested as severe cutaneous adverse reactions (Steven-Johnson Syndrome), hepatitis, nephritis, serum sickness, and hemolytic anemia in response to penicillin administration. Additionally, over 90% of those with a documented penicillin allergy do not have true allergy on skin testing. Increased referral for penicillin allergy testing should be incorporated into routine obstetric care and preoperative assessment to reduce suboptimal antibiotic prophylaxis use. More education is needed among providers surrounding penicillin allergy assessment and cross-reactivity among penicillins and cephalosporins to optimize antibiotic prophylaxis in obstetrics and gynecology.

A prospective observational study validating the CET score as a screening tool in suspected DRESS syndrome.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is an idiosyncratic severe cutaneous adverse reaction that may be potentially life-threatening. Recently, a simple scoring system for the early screening of DRESS patients was derived by combining hsCRP levels, the eosinophil count, and the total body surface area (CET score). The objectives of this study were validating the CET score,and calculating its lead time advantage and cost-benefits compared to RegiSCAR scoring. This is a prospective observational case-control study, where 110 consecutive patients diagnosed with drug-induced maculopapular exanthema (MPE) were recruited during the 18 months of the study period. Patients were classified as cases (DRESS) and controls (MPE) using RegiSCAR score cut-off 2 (possible DRESS). They were also simultaneously screened using the CET score, based on which patients were classified as positive or negative. They were subsequently followed up on Day 15 for a second comparison and assessment of lead time and at 3 and 6 weeks to evaluate clinical response. Seventy cases and 40 controls were recruited. At a cut-off of >2.12, the CET score had a sensitivity of 94.3%, a specificity of 60%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 80.5%, and a negative predictive value (PPV) of 85.7%. The median delay in diagnosing DRESS using RegiSCAR was around 14.5 hours. There was a median cost benefit of 12.1 USD in favor of the CET score. The CET score had good diagnostic performance in screening DRESS patients with a lead time of 14.5 hours and fewer costs incurred.

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions in a tertiary care center in Jamaica

BackgroundSevere cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) are associated with morbidity and mortality. ObjectiveThe aim was to determine the different types of SCARs, their morphology, common offending drugs, interventions, and outcomes. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted of all patients admitted to the dermatology service at the University Hospital of the West Indies with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap (SJS/TEN), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) between January 1, 2012 to June 1, 2022. ResultsFifty-one cases (51) met the inclusion criteria for SCAR. SJS, SJS/TEN overlap and TEN together accounted for 71.2% of cases. SCARs were most frequent in the 4th, 5th and 6th decades of life and there was a female preponderance.Antibiotics (31%) and anticonvulsants (29%) were the most common causative agents for SCARs. Most patients had at least one complication. The liver was the most common extracutaneous organ affected.Mortality was 7.8%. The main cause of death was sepsis. LimitationsResults were not generalizable. There was missing data and loss to follow-up. ConclusionJudicious use of antimicrobials and corticosteroids may be beneficial in treatment of severe cutaneous drug reactions.

Serum Levels of Interleukin-1 Beta are Decreased in Patients with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis at the Time of Hospitalization

BACKGROUND: Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions. Some immunological and genetic factors are believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease, including tumor necrotic factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, and interleukin (IL)-17. IL-1β is one of the most prominent cytokines associated with the innate immune response. AIMS: The study aimed to evaluate the serum level of IL-1β in SJS/TEN and the relation between it and the progress of SJS/TEN. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at the National Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology, in Hanoi, Vietnam, from October 2017 to September 2019. 48 SJS/TEN patients, 43 erythema multiforme (EM) patients, and 20 healthy controls (HCs) participated. IL-1β levels were measured using the fluorescence covalent microbead immunosorbent assay (ProcartaPlex Immunoassay Panels kit, Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA). The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare serum IL-1β levels. The Wilcoxon tests were used to compare quantitative variables before and after the treatment. Differences were considered to be statistically significant at p &lt; 0.05. RESULTS: 19 SJS patients (39.5%) and 29 TEN patients (60.5%) participated in our study. The mean age was 49.3 years; the range was 19–77 years (47.9% males; 52.1% females). The most common causative drugs were traditional medicine (29.1%), carbamazepine (12.5%), and allopurinol (12.5%). On the day of hospitalization, the mean serum level of IL-1β of the SJS/TEN group was 26.4 ± 81.7 pg/mL, ranging from 0.5 pg/mL to 447 pg/mL. This level was significantly lower than that of the HCs group (p &lt; 0.001) but not lower than that of the EM group. The mean serum level of IL-1β in the SJS/TEN patients on the day of hospitalization was 26.4 ± 81.7 pg/ml, higher than that on the day of re-epithelialization (1.9 ± 5.6 pg/mL) and the difference was statistically significant with p &lt; 0.01. CONCLUSION: Serum IL-1β level in SJS/TEN patients is lower than in HCs. It is not a good biomarker to differentiate SJS/TEN from EM.

Recent findings on drug hypersensitivity in children.

Drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHR) in children have a significant impact on clinical practice and public health. Both under-diagnosis (due to under-reporting) and over-diagnosis (due to the overuse of the term "allergy") are potential issues. The aim of this narrative review is to describe the most recent findings of DHR in children/adolescents and gaps regarding epidemiology, antibiotic allergy, antiepileptic hypersensitivity, vaccine allergy, and severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR) in this age group.