Dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome masquerading as a viral exanthem: three cases and a mini-review.
BACKGROUND
We report 3 cases of dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome due to anti-malarial chemoprophylactic treatment with maloprim, in military servicemen, presenting like a viral exanthem.


METHODS
Three male military recruits presented with fever and rash, 6 to 8 weeks after commencing on weekly doses of maloprim.


METHODS
A course of topical and systemic corticosteroids and oral antihistamines were started.


RESULTS
All cases showed gradual resolution of fever, rash and eventual normalisation of liver function test.


CONCLUSIONS
A high index of suspicion was required before this uncommon syndrome can be recognised. Early institution of corticosteroid therapy and discontinuation of maloprim are the mainstays of treatment.
Tee
A K H
AK
Department of Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore.
Oh
H M L
HM
Wee
I Y J
IY
Khoo
B P
BP
Poh
W T
WT
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000962:Antimalarials / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003622:Dapsone / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004338:Drug Combinations; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D005076:Exanthema / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011739:Pyrimethamine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017193:Skin Diseases, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis
D000962:Antimalarials; D004338:Drug Combinations; C001678:Maloprim; D003622:Dapsone; D011739:Pyrimethamine