DRESS — A New Association?

Too much caffeine was the suspected culprit in this case report.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe, potentially life-threatening cutaneous and systemic condition. DRESS has been recently demonstrated to be mediated by activated CD8⁺ T lymphocytes, which are usually directed against herpes viruses, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV; JW Dermatol Sep 17 2010). A series of 60 cases reviewed in a recent Journal Watch General Medicine detailed the common culprit drugs and the usual delay in onset from the time of initial drug therapy. A recent review (Clin Exp Dermatol 2011; 36:6) gives an excellent description of this syndrome.

Now, a new case report in a 16-year-old boy implicates caffeine overdose as a possible new cause of DRESS. The patient, who was receiving stable ph…

Reviewing Author

Jeffrey P. Callen, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board XOMA; Eli Lilly; Celgene

Equity Various trust accounts

Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societies Association of Professors of Dermatology (President-Elect)