Management of drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS syndrome): an update.

Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a rather distinct severe adverse drug reaction characterised by skin rash, fever, lymph node enlargement and internal organ involvement. Our aim was to review the available data regarding the management of this probably underrecognised subset of drug reaction. So far, the only undisputed way to treat severe hypersensitivity reactions is prompt withdrawal of the offending drug. The use of systemic corticosteroids remains controversial. The benefit of therapies aimed at accelerating the elimination of the causative drug deserves further studies. In the absence of a well-established therapy, primary and secondary prevention have a key role in the management of DRESS syndrome. Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel