CARBAMAZEPINE INDUCED DRESS SYNDROME : A CASE REPORT

The Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) presents clinically as an extensive mucocutaneous rash, accompanied by fever, lymphadenopathy, hepatitis and hematological abnormalities with eosinophilia & atypical lymphocytes. It may cause damage to several organs, especially to the kidneys, heart, lungs and pancreas. The mortality rate is approximately 10% and the rate of incidence of dress syndrome ranges from 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 10,000 drug exposures. There are around 50 culprit drugs which can induce dress syndrome. Among these, Carbamazepine and Allopurinol are the most commonly observed drugs that induce this syndrome. In this case report, we discussed regarding a 56 years old female patient who was diagnosed with Carbamazepine induced Dress Syndrome. The clinical manifestations of this disease are quite similar to many disease conditions which might lead to misconception. Along with the prevailing manifestations, it is essential to correlate the past medical & medication history and laboratory findings to make an accurate diagnosis. A multidisciplinary approach must be required for early cessation of the suspected drug and initiation of the symptomatic therapy in order to provide a better supportive care to the patient in the clinical scenario. This prevents the further complications thus paving a way for the improvement of the quality of life in the patients.