[DRESS syndrome to allopurinol: a case in Dakar]

Dakar Med. 2004;49(2):114-5.
[Article in French]

Abstract

We report a case of DRESS syndrome also called drug hypersensitivity reaction occurring a 47 years old Senegalese man who has been taking allopurinol for 3 months. That drug was prescribed for peripheric arthralgias associated to a hyperuricemia. He presented a generalised pruritus, cutaneous lesions, fever and facial oedema. On the biological examens, hyperleucocytosis with hypereosinophilia and hyperlymphocytosis associated to the presence of segmented basophiles. In addition, a hepatic cytolysis and cholestasis were documented. Liver ultrasound was normal. The hemocults were negative. These following serologies have been performed and were negative: hepatitis B and C, Epstein Barr-virus, cytomegalovirus, syphilis, toxoplasma and parvovirus B19. The anti-nuclear and anti-DNA antibodies were negative. A favourable clinical evolution was remarked after allopurinol treatment withdrawal. A desquamation occurred after 6 days and hemogram turned out to the normal as well as the hepatic tests after 2 weeks. The virologic examens performed 2 months later were unremarkable. This case point out the importance of the early diagnosis and quick withdrawal of the drug in order to prevent serious forms leading to the 10% of death.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Allopurinol / adverse effects*
  • Allopurinol / therapeutic use
  • Antimetabolites / adverse effects*
  • Antimetabolites / therapeutic use
  • Arthralgia / drug therapy
  • Drug Eruptions*
  • Edema / chemically induced
  • Fever / chemically induced
  • Humans
  • Hyperuricemia / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Senegal
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Antimetabolites
  • Allopurinol