A Possible Viral Cause of DRESS

In some cases, Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms might not be a drug reaction at all.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) can be life threatening; it is best treated with systemic corticosteroids. More than 100 drugs are associated with this reaction pattern, but anticonvulsants are among the most common. Viral reactivation, particularly of herpesviruses, has been associated with DRESS and may be responsible for cases of recurrent DRESS. Recipients of highly active antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection have been known to develop reactivation of other viral infections, including those caused by herpesviruses, as the immune system is reconstituted, a condition known as immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). Viral-related DRESS might be termed virus reactivation with eosinophilia and sy…

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)

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)

A Possible Viral Cause of DRESS

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Reviewing Author