title: DRESS syndrome in a patient on sulfasalazine for rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: DRESS (Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) is a drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome that can mimic malignant lymphoma. We report a case in a 63-year-old woman who had been on sulfasalazine for 2 months to treat rheumatoid arthritis. She was admitted a few days after onset of a flu-like syndrome with a pruriginous maculopapular erythema initially involving the face, trunk, and proximal limbs; a fever of 41 degrees C; and enlargement of the liver, spleen, and several peripheral lymph nodes. Blood tests showed marked eosinophilia (9300/mm3), lymphocytosis, hyperbasophilic cells, and severe inflammation. DRESS syndrome was diagnosed. An indirect immunofluorescence assay for human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6) was positive, supporting recent HHV6 infection. Primary HHV6 infection and HHV6 reactivation have been incriminated in the genesis of DRESS syndrome. DRESS syndrome continues to carry a high mortality rate of about 10%. Drugs previously reported to cause DRESS syndrome include sulfasalazine, hydantoin, d-penicillamine, allopurinol, hydrochlorothiazide, and cyclosporine. A high index of suspicion for DRESS syndrome should be maintained in patients receiving these drugs. Serological tests for HHV6 should be performed routinely in patients with suspected DRESS syndrome, although uncertainty persists about the link between HHV6 infection and DRESS syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Department, CHU Jean Minjoz Teaching Hospital, Boulevard Fleming, Besançon, cedex 25030, France.
authors.forename: Fabrice
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Michel
authors.forename: Jean-Christophe
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Navellou
authors.forename: Denis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ferraud
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Toussirot
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wendling
mesh_terms: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology*; D004802:Eosinophilia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005076:Exanthema / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D015654:Herpesvirus 6, Human; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D019349:Roseolovirus Infections / Q000150:complications; D012460:Sulfasalazine / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D012460:Sulfasalazine