Severe drug rashes in three siblings simultaneously.
BACKGROUND
Adverse reactions to drugs commonly occur sporadically. Certain individuals seem to have an increased susceptibility to develop reactions to multiple drugs. Genetic predisposition has not been elucidated. Our objective was to describe a case of three siblings who developed severe rashes to the same drug simultaneously.


METHODS
Review of the patients' medical records for information on the clinical course, and comparing their serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels initially and during follow-up.


RESULTS
The rashes were compatible with erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome and developed in the three siblings within 1-3 weeks after the intake of thiabendazole. Follow-up of serum Ig levels did not show any particular pattern, except for an initial mild to moderate elevation in IgG, IgA and IgM.


CONCLUSIONS
The occurrence of such severe cutaneous drug reaction in the three siblings to the same drug suggests a genetic predisposition to adverse drug reactions.
Johnson-Reagan
L
L
Allergy/Immunology Section, Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State, University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130, USA.
Bahna
S L
SL
D000969:Antinematodal Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D035781:Siblings; D013262:Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced*; D013827:Thiabendazole / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000969:Antinematodal Agents; D013827:Thiabendazole