Frontiers in Pharmacology (Nov 2022)

Case report: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)-induced hemophagocytic disorder

  • Eliza I. Pope,
  • Hosanna Au,
  • Hosanna Au,
  • Deborah M. Levy,
  • Deborah M. Levy,
  • Ruud H. J. Verstegen,
  • Ruud H. J. Verstegen,
  • Ruud H. J. Verstegen

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.1023522
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13

Abstract

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Hemophagocytic disorders are severe and life-threatening conditions that can be genetic in origin [i.e., primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)] or result from infections (i.e., secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis), rheumatologic disease [i.e., macrophage activation syndrome (MAS)], and less frequently immunodeficiency or metabolic disease. Although rare, drug-induced hemophagocytosis needs to be considered in the work-up as it requires specific management strategies. Most drug-induced hemophagocytic disorders are related to Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS). We present the case of a 7-year-old girl who initially presented with fever, maculopapular rash, and unilateral lymphadenopathy, who went on to develop hemophagocytosis secondary to DRESS caused by prolonged combination treatment with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. This case illustrates the importance of considering adverse drug reactions in the evaluations of patients with a hemophagocytic process.

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