INTRODUCTION: We report 3 cases of dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome due to anti-malarial chemoprophylactic treatment with maloprim, in military servicemen, presenting like a viral exanthem. CLINICAL PICTURE: Three male military recruits presented with fever and rash, 6 to 8 weeks after commencing on weekly doses of maloprim. TREATMENT: A course of topical and systemic corticosteroids and oral antihistamines were started. OUTCOME: All cases showed gradual resolution of fever, rash and eventual normalisation of liver function test. CONCLUSION: 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.
INTRODUCTION: We report 3 cases of dapsonehypersensitivity syndrome due to anti-malarial chemoprophylactic treatment with maloprim, in military servicemen, presenting like a viral exanthem. CLINICAL PICTURE: Three male military recruits presented with fever and rash, 6 to 8 weeks after commencing on weekly doses of maloprim. TREATMENT: A course of topical and systemic corticosteroids and oral antihistamines were started. OUTCOME: All cases showed gradual resolution of fever, rash and eventual normalisation of liver function test. CONCLUSION: 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.
Authors: Vernon J Lee; Samuel Ow; Harold Heah; Meng Yaw Tan; Patrick Lam; Lee-Ching Ng; Sai Gek Lam-Phua; Abdul Qadir Imran; Benjamin Seet Journal: Am J Trop Med Hyg Date: 2010-06 Impact factor: 2.345