Sclerodermoid graft-versus-host disease-like lesions occurring after drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome

Diagnosing and Managing Drug Reaction With Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) Amidst Remaining Uncertainty

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), a severe cutaneous adverse reaction, represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to its varied, evolving clinical presentation, complex pathophysiology, and potential for severe systemic involvement. This article explores DRESS syndrome through 3 illustrative cases from diverse populations and with different background comorbidities. Cases highlight different challenges in DRESS care, including (1) the need for early diagnosis and severity scoring, (2) identification of offending drugs and risk stratification to consider a possible drug challenge, and (3) best practice management including long-term monitoring for emergent autoimmunity. Recent developments in our understanding of clinical spectrum of disease, genomic and nongenomic biomarkers, severity groupings, and pharmacological and longer-term management strategies are described. Critical gaps remain in several of these domains, particularly in vulnerable groups such as the immune-compromised. In the absence of robust evidence, we aim in this article to assist attending clinicians with current expert opinion in DRESS management. Finally, we highlight areas for further research needed to improve the clinical care and outcomes of DRESS.

Recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of DIHS/DRESS in 2025

Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS) or drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe drug reaction characterized by a range of clinical manifestations. These range from mild cases resolving upon cessation of the causative drug to severe cases involving complex disease progression and potential fatality. A hallmark of DIHS/DRESS is the sequential reactivation of herpesviruses, particularly human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), during the disease course, contributing to recurrent symptoms. Viral reactivation can lead to critical complications, including infectious DIHS/DRESS-associated complications (iDACs) and autoimmune sequelae (aDACs). Managing DIHS/DRESS remains challenging due to its complexity, requiring precise prediction and tailored treatment strategies. Recent studies suggest that early-stage classification using the DIHS/DRESS Severity (DDS) score may help identify refractory cases, including DACs. Furthermore, early intervention with anti-cytomegalovirus (anti-CMV) therapy can mitigate iDACs caused by CMV reactivation, preventing progression to severe CMV-related diseases. Long-term follow-up is crucial, as aDACs can manifest even 3 years postonset. Serial monitoring is recommended, particularly in patients treated with intravenous immunoglobulin or corticosteroid pulse therapy, which are recognized risk factors for aDAC development. This review highlights DIHS/DRESS management strategies, focusing on its clinical features, the role of viral reactivation, and therapeutic interventions.

Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms. Part II diagnosis and management

Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome, also known as drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, is a severe cutaneous adverse reaction characterized by an exanthem, fever, and hematologic and visceral organ involvement. The differential diagnosis includes other cutaneous adverse reactions, infections, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and neoplastic disorders. Three sets of diagnostic criteria have been proposed; however, consensus is lacking. The cornerstone of management is immediate discontinuation of the suspected drug culprit. Systemic corticosteroids remain first-line therapy, but the literature on steroid-sparing agents is expanding. Longitudinal evaluation for sequelae is recommended. Adjunctive tests for risk stratification and drug culprit identification remain under investigation. Part II of this continuing medical education activity begins by exploring the differential diagnosis and diagnosis of drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms and concludes with an evidence-based overview of evaluation and treatment.

Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms. Part I. Epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinicopathological features, and prognosis

Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DiHS), also known as drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), is a severe cutaneous adverse reaction (SCAR) characterized by an exanthem, fever, and hematologic and visceral organ involvement. Anticonvulsants, antibiotics, and allopurinol are the most common triggers. The pathogenesis involves a complex interplay between drugs, viruses, and the immune system primarily mediated by T-cells. DiHS/DRESS typically presents with a morbilliform eruption 2-6 weeks after drug exposure, and is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and risk of relapse. Long-term sequelae primarily relate to organ dysfunction and autoimmune diseases. Part I of this continuing medical education activity on DiHS/DRESS provides an update on epidemiology, novel insights into pathogenesis, and a description of clinicopathological features and prognosis.

Renal Manifestations of Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) Syndrome: A Systematic Review of 71 Cases

Unlike other adverse drug reactions, visceral organ involvement is a prominent feature of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome and correlates with mortality. The aim of this study was to systematically review cases published in PubMed-indexed, peer-reviewed journals in which patients had renal injury during the episode of DRESS syndrome (DS). We found 71 cases, of which 67 were adults and 56% were males. Female sex was associated with higher mortality. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was present in 14% of patients who developed acute kidney injury (AKI) during DS. In 21% of cases, the kidneys were the only visceral organ involved, while 54% of patients had both liver and kidney involvement. Eosinophilia was absent in 24% of patients. The most common classes of medication associated with renal injury in DS were antibiotics in 34%, xanthine oxidase inhibitors in 15%, and anticonvulsants in 11%. Among antibiotics, vancomycin was the most common culprit in 68% of patients. AKI was the most common renal manifestation reported in 96% of cases, while isolated proteinuria or hematuria was present in only 4% of cases. In cases with AKI, 88% had isolated increase in creatinine and decrease in glomerular filtration (GFR), 27% had AKI concomitantly with proteinuria, 18% had oliguria, and 13% had concomitant AKI with hematuria. Anuria was the rarest manifestation, occurring in only 4% of patients with DS. Temporary renal replacement therapy was needed in 30% of cases, and all but one patient fully recovered renal function. Mortality of DS in this cohort was 13%, which is higher than previously reported. Medication class, latency period, or pre-existing CKD were not found to be associated with higher mortality. More research, particularly prospective studies, is needed to better recognize the risks associated with renal injury in patients with DS. The development of disease-specific biomarkers would also be useful so DS with renal involvement can be easier distinguished from other eosinophilic diseases that might affect the kidney.

Risk of progression to autoimmune disease in severe drug eruption: risk factors and the factor-guided stratification

The identification of risk factors is key not only to uncover the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease but also to predict progression to autoimmune disease. Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DiHS)/ drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is likely the best prototypic example for analyzing the sequential events. We conducted a retrospective study of 55 patients with DiHS/DRESS followed for the possibility of later development of autoimmune disease ∼18 years after resolution. Nine patients progressed to autoimmune sequelae regardless of treatment. The generation of autoantibodies preceded by 8 years in 8 of the 9 patients. The combination of increases in lymphocyte counts, severe liver damage, a rebound increase in globulin, persistent reactivations of Epstein-Barr virus and human herpesvirus-6, and low interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-4 at the acute/subacute phases, were significant risk factors for the future development of autoimmune disease. Based on these factors, we established a scoring system that can identify high-risk patients. When stratified these patients into three risk categories (low/intermediate/high), occurrence of autoimmune disease was exclusively detected in the high group. Our data represent the new scoring system to identify patients at high-risk of developing autoimmune disease, although a larger study is required to validate the scoring system.

Autoimmune Diseases, End Organ Dysfunction and Adverse Drug Reaction Following Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS): A Retrospective Cohort Study

Context:

Autoimmune diseases, organ dysfunction and new drug allergies are mentioned as long-term complications after DRESS. There is scarcity of data on this from the country.

Aims:

To determine the frequency of autoimmune diseases, organ dysfunction, and new drug allergies after the resolution of DRESS.

Settings and Design:

This retrospective cohort study was carried out among patients who received treatment for DRESS in a tertiary referral center.

Materials and Methods:

In this retrospective cohort study, DRESS patients who received inpatient care in the dermatology department of our tertiary referral center from August 2014 to February 2017 were included. We excluded patients aged 12 years or below and those who had not completed minimum two years after the resolution of DRESS as on December 2019. We collected information on new onset autoimmune disease, end organ damage and new drug allergies detected after the resolution of DRESS through a telephonic interview. Those who consented were evaluated in our department.

Results:

We could contact 40/50 (80%) identified individuals and all of them consented for telephonic interview. 17 patients gave consent for revaluation in our department. There were 22 females and 18 males. 17 had definite and 23 had probable DRESS. The frequency of detection of a new disease and a new drug allergy after DRESS was 10% (4/40) and 7.5% (3/40), respectively. We noted three (7.5%) autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis 1, alopecia areata 1, chronic autoimmune urticaria 1) and one end organ damage (chronic kidney disease) among the study participants.

Limitations:

Small sample size and retrospective study design were the limitations.

Conclusions:

Prospective studies with large sample size are needed to delineate the link between DRESS and autoimmunity, end organ damage, and new drug allergies.

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.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a severe cutaneous drug reaction characterized by fever, lymphadenopathy, hematologic abnormalities, multisystem involvement, and viral reactivation. Although most patients with DRESS syndrome are able to fully recover, a subset of patients go on to have a prolonged course with recurrence, and/or autoimmune complications. Severe systemic involvement is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Viral reactivation, especially of human herpes virus 6, Epstein-Barr virus, and cytomegalovirus, is a common feature of DRESS, with a high viral load and antibody titers being associated with poor outcomes. Aside from prompt discontinuation of the offending drug, treatment for patients with significant disease consists of systemic therapy with corticosteroids.

Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DiHS)/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS): An update in 2019

The aim of this review was to provide an updated overview of drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DiHS)/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). Several new insights have been made, particularly with regards to the diagnosis, pathogenesis and care of some important complications and sequelae. The indication of herpesvirus reactivations in diagnosis in the assessment of disease severity is now better specified. Nevertheless, because fatal complications and autoimmune sequelae have been under-recognized, there is a clear need to identify effective parameters for assessing disease severity and predicting prognosis of the disease in the early phase. In this regard, we have established a scoring system that can be used to monitor severity, predict prognosis and stratify the risk of developing severe complications including fatal cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease. Regulatory T cells are likely to be central to the mechanism and would represent potential targets for therapeutic approaches that can ameliorate inflammatory responses occurring at the acute phase while preventing the subsequent development of harmful outcomes, such as CMV disease and autoimmune diseases.

Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DReSS): How Far Have We Come?

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DReSS), also known as drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DiHS), is an uncommon severe adverse reaction to medications. It is important to recognize it as it is potentially fatal and can cause significant morbidity. From the first reports of drug reactions related to certain anticonvulsants characterized by fever, liver enzyme elevation, and skin changes, our continuously growing understanding of this entity has allowed us to describe its physiopathology and clinical features even further. The relationship of genetic factors, viral activation, and specific drug exposure is now known to play a role in this disease. There is still not a widely accepted marker for DReSS/DiHS, but the spectrum of clinical and laboratory features has now been better outlined. The mainstay of treatment is the use of systemic corticosteroids, but other options such as intravenous immunoglobulin, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, rituximab, and cyclophosphamide have been described. We present a comprehensive review of the literature on DReSS/DiHS, focusing on its history, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, therapeutic approach, and outcome.

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.

Aggressive treatment in paediatric or young patients with drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DiHS)/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is associated with future development of type III polyglandular autoimmune syndrome

We experienced a 6-year-old case of drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DiHS)/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) with subsequent development autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's thyroiditis), type 1 diabetes with antithyroglobulin, thyroid peroxidase, insulinoma-associated antigen and anti-insulin antibodies at 4 months, alopecia at 7 months, vitiligo, uveitis due to Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease at 8 months after clinical resolution of the DiHS/DRESS. He was diagnosed as type III polyglandular autoimmune syndrome (PASIII) after DiHS/DRESS. Prompted by this case, we sought to determine which triggering factors were responsible for later development of PASIII in previously published cases with autoimmune sequelae. In the literature review, five patients with DIHS/DRESS were found to develop autoimmune sequelae consistent with PASIII. All cases with PASIII were much younger than those without them. Four out of the five patients were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin or pulsed prednisolone in the acute stage, although effective in short-term outcomes.

Severe Delayed Drug Reactions: Role of Genetics and Viral Infections

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a significant source of patient morbidity and mortality and represent a major burden to health care systems and drug development. Up to 50% of such reactions are preventable. Although many ADRs can be predicted based on the on-target pharmacologic activity, ADRs arising from drug interactions with off-target receptors are recognized. Off-target ADRs include the immune-mediated ADRs (IM-ADRs) and pharmacologic drug effects. In this review, we discuss what is known about the immunogenetics and pathogenesis of IM-ADRs and the hypothesized role of heterologous immunity in the development of IM-ADRs.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) and its relation with autoimmunity in a reference center in Mexico

BACKGROUND:

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms is a severe adverse drug reaction, with a reported mortality of 10%. Long-term outcomes involve organic failure and autoimmune diseases in some populations.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the clinical prognosis of patients with drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms.

METHODS:

We conducted a retrospective review at a referral hospital in Mexico City in a period of 22 years (1992-2013), looking up for records with diagnosis of DRESS according to RegiSCAR criteria. Clinical characteristics, organ failures, culprit drugs, treatment, and short and long-term sequelae were analyzed.

RESULTS:

We found 11 patients with diagnosis of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome, 7 female and 4 male, with a median age of 22 years-old; 9 had maculopapular rash and 2 were erythrodermic. Affected organs were liver (8/11), kidney (6/11) and hematologic disorders (8/11). The most common culprit drugs were antiepileptic (63%). Systemic corticosteroids were given to 8 patients, being pyelonephritis (1/8) and pneumonia (2/8) the adverse events of this therapy. Long-term sequelae were 1 patient with renal failure, 1 patient with chronic anemia; and 2 patients developed autoimmune diseases (one autoimmune thyroid disease and another one with autoimmune thyroid disease and autoimmune hemolytic anemia). Study limitations: The retrospective nature of the study and the limited number of patients with drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS:

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome has been linked to the development of chronic organ failure. We found two young patients who developed autoimmune diseases in the short term. Patients with drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms should have a long-term monitoring for signs or symptoms suggestive of an autoimmune disease.

Drug-induced skin reactions: a pathologist viewpoint

Cutaneous drug reactions are common adverse effects that occur in about 2-3% of the hospitalized patients. They have both immunologic and non-immunologic underlying mechanisms. These reactions are clinically and histologically similar to dermatoses. Their significant clinical indicators include: history of drug intake, atypical clinical features and improvement after cessation of the offending drugs. Their diagnostic histological clues include the presence of mixed histological patterns, apoptotic keratinocytes, eosinophils (dermis and epidermis), papillary dermal edema and extravasations of erythrocytes. However, no single clinical or histological feature is specific of drug eruptions. This work attempts to classify the histomorphologic reactions to various drugs in defined categories for assistance in morphologic diagnosis.

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.

Fever, rash, and systemic symptoms: understanding the role of virus and HLA in severe cutaneous drug allergy

Drug hypersensitivity syndromes such as abacavir hypersensitivity and the severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions have been associated with significant short- and long-term morbidity and mortality. More recently, these immunologically mediated and previously unpredictable diseases have been shown to be associated with primarily class I but also class II HLA alleles. The case of the association of HLA-B*57:01 and abacavir hypersensitivity has created a translational roadmap for how this knowledge can be used in the clinic to prevent severe reactions. Although many hurdles exist to the widespread translation of such HLA screening approaches, our understanding of how drugs interact with the major histocompatibility complex has contributed to the discovery of new models that have provided considerable insights into the immunopathogenesis of severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions and other T-cell-mediated drug hypersensitivity syndromes. Future translation of this knowledge will facilitate the development of preclinical toxicity screening to significantly improve efficacy and safety of drug development and design.

The Link between Hypersensitivity Syndrome Reaction Development and Human Herpes Virus-6 Reactivation

Background. There are challenges in the clinical diagnosis of drug-induced injury and in obtaining information on the reactivation of human herpes viruses (HHV) during idiosyncratic adverse drug reactions. Objectives. (i) To develop a unified list of drugs incriminated in drug-induced hepatotoxicity and severe cutaneous reactions, in which drug hypersensitivity leads to HHV-6 reactivation and further complication of therapy and recovery and (ii) to supplement the already available data on reporting frequencies of liver- or skin-induced cases with knowledge of individual case reports, including HHV-6 reactivation and briefly introducing chromosomally integrated HHV-6. Data Sources and Extraction. Drugs identified as causes of (i) idiosyncratic reactions, (ii) drug-induced hypersensitivity, drug-induced hepatotoxicity, acute liver failure, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and (iii) human herpes virus reactivation in PubMed since 1997 have been collected and discussed. Results. Data presented in this paper show that HHV-6 reactivation is associated with more severe organ involvement and a prolonged course of disease. Conclusion. This analysis of HHV-6 reactivation associated with drug-induced severe cutaneous reactions and hepatotoxicity will aid in causality assessment and clinical diagnosis of possible life-threatening events and will provide a basis for further patient characterization and therapy.

[Auto-immune thyroiditis and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) associated with HHV-6 viral reactivation]

INTRODUCTION

DRESS syndrome is a severe adverse drug reaction with visceral involvement. Its physiopathology includes immunological disorders associated with human herpes virus (HHV) reactivation. We report two cases of auto-immune thyroiditis occurring in the context of DRESS syndrome associated with HHV-6 reactivation.

OBSERVATIONS

Case 1 : A 39-year-old woman presented DRESS syndrome with HHV-6 reactivation, cutaneous, lymph node, hepatic and renal disorders treated with systemic corticosteroids for 10 months. Following discontinuation of the corticosteroids, she developed Graves's disease, which was stabilized with carbimazole and a beta-blocker. CASE 2: A 31-year-old woman was hospitalized for DRESS syndrome with delayed HHV-6 reactivation and severe hepatic involvement. She was successfully treated by topical steroids. Six weeks later, she presented De Quervain thyroiditis associated with moderate relapsing DRESS, which were treated by sodium levothyroxine and topical steroids.

DISCUSSION

There is currently debate about the implication of viral reactivation, in particular HHV-6, in chronic DRESS, relapse and development of auto-immune diseases. These observations highlight the potential risk of patients developing auto-immune diseases and underline the need for prolonged clinical and laboratory follow-up of patients with DRESS.

[Strontium ranelate-induced DRESS syndrome]

INTRODUCTION

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a severe form of adverse drug reaction. Strontium ranelate has recently been authorised for postmenopausal osteoporosis. We report a case of strontium ranelate-induced DRESS complicated by linear Ig A dermatosis due to vancomycin.

CASE REPORT

A 77-year-old woman with osteoporosis had been treated by strontium ranelate for 4 weeks when she developed a febrile generalized skin rash. Blood tests showed eosinophilia (12.74 × 10(9)/L) and liver damage. A diagnosis of DRESS was made, leading to discontinuation of strontium ranelate and prescription of systemic corticosteroids. Two days later, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia occurred and treatment with vancomycin was started. The liver dysfunction resolved. After two weeks of antibiotherapy, bullous lesions were noted on the thighs. Skin biopsy results suggested a diagnosis of linear IgA bullous dermatosis. Vancomycin was stopped. Two weeks later, the eruption resolved. The eosinophil count gradually returned to normal after four months of corticosteroid therapy.

DISCUSSION

More than 15 cases of DRESS syndrome have been reported in Europe, including 2 deaths related to ranelate strontium, prompting European health authorities to publish a warning concerning the risk of strontium ranelate-induced DRESS. A particular feature of our patient was complication with linear IgA bullous dermatosis caused by vancomycin. In conclusion, it is essential to be aware of the risk of severe cutaneous reaction to strontium ranelate, a new drug used to treat osteoporosis.

Visceral involvements and long-term sequelae in drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome

Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS) is a severe systemic reaction with several herpesvirus reactivations. Multiple organ failures appear during the course of the disease. The severity of DIHS is determined by the degree of visceral involvement. Autoimmune diseases also develop several months to years after the apparent clinical resolution of DIHS.

Defective regulatory T cells in patients with severe drug eruptions: timing of the dysfunction is associated with the pathological phenotype and outcome

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS) represent two ends of a spectrum of severe drug eruptions: DIHS is unique in that severe epidermal damage seen in TEN is absent, sequential reactivations of herpesviruses occur, and autoimmunity often ensues. To investigate whether changes in regulatory T (Treg) cell function would contribute to variability in the clinical manifestations, we examined the frequency, phenotype, and function of Treg cells both during the acute stage and again long after clinical resolution of both diseases. Dramatic expansions of functional Treg cells were found in the acute stage of DIHS. In contrast, Treg function was profoundly impaired in TEN, although present in normal frequency. Skin homing addressins were more preferentially expressed on Treg cells in DIHS than in TEN. Indeed, Treg cells were more abundantly present in the skin lesions of DIHS. Surprisingly, Treg cells contracted upon resolution of DIHS became functionally deficient, whereas their functional defects in TEN were restored upon recovery. These findings indicate that a transitory impairment in their function during the acute stage of TEN may be related to severe epidermal damage, while a gradual loss of their function after resolution of DIHS may increase the risk of subsequently developing autoimmune disease.

Viral connection between drug rashes and autoimmune diseases: how autoimmune responses are generated after resolution of drug rashes

Viral infections are most likely triggering factors of autoimmune diseases, although a single vial infection is not sufficient to cause clinically evident autoimmune diseases. Any disease that profoundly alters the immune system may cause perturbed viral infections, thereby rendering otherwise refractory patients susceptible to autoimmune diseases. In this regard, drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS), a drug rash characterized by sequential reactivations of herpesviruses and the subsequent development of autoimmune diseases, offers a unique opportunity to investigate the mechanism of how autoimmunity is elicited after viral infections. Indeed, several autoimmune diseases have been reported to occur at intervals of several months to years after clinical resolution of DIHS. Two representative cases who developed autoimmune diseases three to four years after DIHS are shown. Our recent analyses of the kinetics of a developing disease have shown that fully functional FoxP3(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells are expanded at the acute stage thereby allowing viral reactivations but lose their suppressive function coincident with their contraction upon clinical resolution. The functional defect of Treg cells would be responsible for the subsequent development of autoimmune diseases. Patients with DIHS need close monitoring because of possible progression to autoimmune diseases even after the complete resolution.

[What's new in clinical dermatology?]

For this What's new in clinical dermatology?, I have selected some important publications mainly in the field of the infectious dermatosis and drugs allergy. The Chikungunya virus which is responsible of several epidemics since 2005 seems to be a virus with a cutaneous tropism. Sexually transmitted diseases are still a public health problem and we shall review the situation for syphilis, lymphogranuloma venereum and the new dynamic profile of HIV in France. Lyme disease has been the subject of consensus conference in France and in the United States. Original clinical presentations in relation with infectious agent will be also presented. We shall give a large place to what I call the toxidermatology. During the year 2007, the role of gadolinium in the nephrogenic systemic fibrosis has been confirmed, many publications have reported the side effects of biotherapies on the skin and we shall emphasize the paradoxical of some of them. Hypersensitivity syndrome and notably the controversial role of viral reactivations has been reported. The relationship between psoriasis and metabolic syndrome or cardiovascular risks has been discussed since 2006. New clinical features have been described and will be presented during this session.