Alopecia universalis after drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (Dress)

Management and Long-Term Outcomes of Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DReSS) in Children: A Scoping Review

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DReSS) is known to cause mortality and long-term sequelae in the pediatric population, however there are no established clinical practice guidelines for the management of pediatric DReSS. We conducted a scoping review, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, to summarize the currently available data on treatment, mortality, and long-term sequelae of DReSS in children (aged 0-18 years). Data from 644 individuals revealed that various treatment strategies are being used in the management of pediatric DReSS, and strategies were often used in combination. The diversity in treatment approaches cannot be solely attributed to age or disease severity and reflects the lack of evidence-based management guidelines for DReSS. Children are also at risk of developing autoimmune sequelae following DReSS, most commonly thyroid disease and type 1 diabetes mellitus. We found that the eventual development of autoimmune disease was more often associated with DReSS caused by antibiotics, especially minocycline and sulfamethoxazole, in comparison with individuals who did not develop sequelae. In this study, we identify strengths and weaknesses in the currently available literature and highlight that future prospective studies with structured and long-term follow-up of children with DReSS are needed to better understand potential risk factors for mortality and development of sequelae after DReSS.

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.

Hair loss after drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS): A multicentric retrospective case series

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe cutaneous drug adverse reaction characterized by various cutaneous and systemic manifestations. However, reports on the various patterns of alopecia after DRESS are lacking. Thus, we aimed to describe cases of alopecia after DRESS and review the literature. This multicentric retrospective study reviewed the records of 182 patients diagnosed with DRESS from 2009 to 2021; of these, 10 who had alopecia after DRESS were included. Patients were diagnosed with permanent alopecia (n = 4), telogen effluvium (n = 5), and alopecia areata (n = 1), and were treated with topical minoxidil or alfatradiol (6; 60%), topical corticosteroids (3; 30%), dietary supplements (6; 60%), systemic corticosteroids (1; 10%), and intralesional corticosteroid injection (2; 20%). Although patients with permanent alopecia did not show hair regrowth after 6 months, those with telogen effluvium and alopecia areata experienced marked clinical improvement within 6 months. Various types of alopecia can persist over an extended period, even after the resolution of an acute episode of DRESS.

Alopecia Areata: Burden of Disease, Approach to Treatment, and Current Unmet Needs

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune hair loss disorder with variations in distribution, duration, and severity. The disease is chronic and often follows an unpredictable course, frequently leading to stress and anxiety for those who suffer from it. Throughout the years more knowledge has been gained regarding pathogenesis, diagnostic tools, impact on quality of life, as well as treatment strategies for alopecia areata. However, challenges in treating and alleviating the burden of disease remain. In this article, we discuss updates regarding the pathogenesis and treatment of alopecia areata and highlight unmet needs of the condition, including a review of limitations of current treatments, accessibility to management strategies, and the need for disease awareness and advocacy.

Current Perspectives on Severe Drug Eruption

Adverse drug reactions involving the skin are commonly known as drug eruptions. Severe drug eruption may cause severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCARs), which are considered to be fatal and life-threatening, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). Although cases are relatively rare, approximately 2% of hospitalized patients are affected by SCARs. There is an incidence of 2 to 7 cases/million per year of SJS/TEN and 1/1000 to 1/10,000 exposures to offending agents result in DRESS. However, the mortality rate of severe drug eruptions can reach up to 50%. SCARs represent a real medical emergency, and early identification and proper management are critical to survival. The common pathogenesis of severe drug eruptions includes genetic linkage with HLA- and non-HLA-genes, drug-specific T cell-mediated cytotoxicity, T cell receptor restriction, and cytotoxicity mechanisms. A multidisciplinary approach is required for acute management. Immediate withdrawal of potentially causative drugs and specific supportive treatment is of great importance. Immunoglobulins, systemic corticosteroids, and cyclosporine A are the most frequently used treatments for SCARs; additionally, new biologics and plasma exchange are reasonable strategies to reduce mortality. Although there are many treatment methods for severe drug eruption, controversies remain regarding the timing and dosage of drug eruption. Types, dosages, and indications of new biological agents, such as tumor necrosis factor antagonists, mepolizumab, and omalizumab, are still under exploration. This review summarizes the clinical characteristics, risk factors, pathogenesis, and treatment strategies of severe drug eruption to guide clinical management.