A Relapsing Case of Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (Dress) Syndrome

Abstract

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe and potentially fatal adverse hypersensitivity reaction often secondary to therapeutic medications. There is a wide variation in the incidence of the disease and is dependent on the genetic makeup of the individual. The most common presentation includes skin eruptions, fever, generalized lymphadenopathy, eosinophilia, and internal organ involvement (most commonly, liver, kidneys, and lungs). Some less common features are dysphagia, agranulocytosis, and chylous ascites. The most common drugs causing DRESS syndrome include carbamazepine, allopurinol, sulfasalazine, phenobarbital, and lamotrigine. Differential diagnosis has Steven-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, hypereosinophilic syndrome, and Sezary syndrome. Systemic corticosteroids are the first-line treatment for DRESS syndrome and the withdrawal of the offending agent and supportive therapy. We report a rare case of DRESS syndrome following the use of clarithromycin and moxifloxacin, where rapid steroid taper resulted in relapse.