A case of severe DRESS syndrome treated with therapeutic plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy

J Clin Apher. 2022 Dec;37(6):600-605. doi: 10.1002/jca.21999. Epub 2022 Jul 15.

Abstract

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome in children is a rare adverse drug reaction with skin rash, fever, hematologic abnormalities, and multiorgan involvement. The diagnosis is difficult because of its various clinical presentations, nonetheless is extremely important due to the mortality rate. We describe a 14-year-old boy who developed hypersensitivity to either teicoplanin or meropenem therapy. After failing to improve with corticosteroids, he was successfully treated with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). TPE should be considered in the treatment with corticosteroid-resistant DRESS syndrome.

Keywords: adverse drug reactions; drug hypersensitivity syndrome; plasma exchange.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome* / etiology
  • Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome* / therapy
  • Eosinophilia* / complications
  • Eosinophilia* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Plasma Exchange / adverse effects

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones