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Overview of DRESS Syndrome
DRESS syndrome, or Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms, is a medical term used to describe a hypersensitivity reaction that may occur in response to exposure to a new drug. The reaction is often extremely severe and has an estimated mortality or death rate of up to 10 percent.
DRESS syndrome generally develops between two and eight weeks following the start of a new medication. In some cases, the reaction may subside briefly, before flaring back up after several weeks. The reaction is often associated with the use of anti-seizure medications and antibiotics.
Symptoms
The condition is usually characterized by a fever, skin rash, organ injuries to the liver or kidneys, enlarged lymph nodes, and blood abnormalities. Fever is generally the first symptom to develop, followed by rashes. Rashes associated with DRESS syndrome may be mild, or may be extensive and cause blistering across multiple parts of the body.
Although in some cases external symptoms may be mild, these visible symptoms of DRESS syndrome do not always correlate to the amount of internal organ damage, which may be much more severe.
Causes
DRESS syndrome is commonly associated with medications in several classes. These drugs include anticonvulsants like Lamotrigine, antibiotics, and allopurinol, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, mood stabilisers, captopril, and antiretrovirals.
The syndrome is estimated to occur as often as 1 in every 1,000 drug exposures, but may be as rare as 1 in every 10,000 exposures. It generally occurs after the first exposure to a new drug.
The syndrome may also have a genetic component. Individuals with a first degree relative who has experienced DRESS syndrome are 25 percent more likely to experience the syndrome themselves.
Treatment
Promptly halting the use of the offending medication is the most common and effective way to treat the condition. When DRESS syndrome is a reaction to a medication, removing the catalyst medication is generally effective to reverse the reaction. Steroids may also be prescribed to combat the hypersensitivity reaction, as well as treatment for the individual reactions and symptoms.
However, as much of the damage caused by DRESS syndrome is internal, early diagnosis of the condition is important for treatment to be effective.
Complications
If DRESS syndrome is not diagnosed and treated promptly, victims may suffer from serious kidney or liver injuries including liver failure. These internal organ injuries may result in sepsis, a life-threatening infection.
Pulmonary or lung abnormalities including interstitial pneumonitis or adult respiratory distress syndrome may also occur. In some cases, neurological complications including meningitis, nerve palsies, and seizures may happen as a result of DRESS syndrome.
Lawsuits
Victims who have suffered serious health complications including DRESS syndrome after being prescribed medications like Lamotrigine may be eligible to hire a qualified attorney and file a lawsuit against the drug manufacturers. Victims who pursue legal action may be able to collect compensation for injuries, pain and suffering, medical expenses, past and future medical care, loss of income or earning capacity, and other financial damages.
