Hypersensitivity syndrome reaction

Abstract

Key Features: Characterized by a triad: fever, skin rash, and internal organ involvement. Most commonly associated medications include aromatic anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin, pheno-barbital, carbamazepine, Oxcarbazepine), lam-otrigine, abacavir, sulfonamide antimicrobial drugs, dapsone, allopurinol, and minocycline. Usually occurs on first exposure to drug with initial symptoms starting 2-6 weeks after exposure. Monitoring of patients include liver transami-nases, bilirubin, complete blood count, urinalysis, serum creatinine, and any other test specific to internal organ involvement (e.g., chest X-ray for respiratory symptoms) If symptoms are severe or organ failure is pending, prednisone (1-2 mg/kg/day) can be used. Topical corticosteroids and antihistamines are used for symptomatic relief. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.