National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms


Other Names:
Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms; DRESS syndrome; Drug reaction eosinophilic systemic syndrome
The following summary is from Orphanet, a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs.
orphanet

Orpha Number: 139402

Definition
A rare hypersensitivity reaction characterized by a generalized skin rash, fever, eosinophilia, lymphocytosis and visceral involvement (hepatitis, nephritis, pneumonitis, pericarditis and myocarditis) and, in some patients, reactivation of human herpes virus 6.

Epidemiology
Prevalence is unknown.

Etiology
Onset usually occurs 2-6 weeks after administration of the causal medication. DRESS syndrome is most frequently associated with anticonvulsants and sulfonamides but other medications (allopurinol, cyclosporine, azathioprine, gold salts and antiviral agents) have also been implicated. The manifestations may persist for several weeks after withdrawal of the causative medication.

Visit the Orphanet disease page for more resources.
Last updated: 9/1/2008

This table lists symptoms that people with this disease may have. For most diseases, symptoms will vary from person to person. People with the same disease may not have all the symptoms listed. This information comes from a database called the Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) . The HPO collects information on symptoms that have been described in medical resources. The HPO is updated regularly. Use the HPO ID to access more in-depth information about a symptom.

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Medical Terms Other Names
Learn More:
HPO ID
80%-99% of people have these symptoms
Angioedema 0100665
Cardiac arrest
Heart stops beating
0001695
Encephalitis
Brain inflammation
0002383
Erythema 0010783
Erythroderma 0001019
Fever 0001945
Immunologic hypersensitivity 0100326
Lymphadenopathy
Swollen lymph nodes
0002716
Macule
Flat, discolored area of skin
0012733
Skin rash 0000988
Thyroiditis
Thyroid gland inflammation
0100646
Weight loss 0001824
30%-79% of people have these symptoms
Elevated hepatic transaminase
High liver enzymes
0002910
Interstitial pneumonitis 0006515
Lymphocytosis
High lymphocyte count
0100827
Pulmonary infiltrates
Lung infiltrates
0002113
5%-29% of people have these symptoms
Acute hepatic failure
Acute liver failure
0006554
Cough
Coughing
0012735
Dyspnea
Trouble breathing
0002094
Enanthema 0030249
Eosinophilia
High blood eosinophil count
0001880
Hepatitis
Liver inflammation
0012115
Myocarditis
Inflammation of heart muscle
0012819
Nephrotic syndrome 0000100
Peripheral neuropathy 0009830
Pustule
Pimple
0200039
Renal insufficiency
Renal failure
Renal failure in adulthood
[ more ] 		0000083
Tubulointerstitial nephritis 0001970
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Last updated: 7/1/2020

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

Social Networking Websites

  • Visit the following Facebook groups related to Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms:
    DRESS Syndrome

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology offers information on Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms
  • DermNet New Zealand is an online resource about skin diseases developed by the New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated. DermNet NZ provides information about this condition.
  • The The Cleveland Clinic Web site has an information page on Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms. Click on the Cleveland Clinic link to view this page.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge.

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