Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS): a clinical update and review of current thinking

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2011 Jan;36(1):6-11. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2010.03967.x.

Abstract

Summary Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) describes a severe medication-induced adverse reaction, which has cutaneous, haematological and solid-organ features. It is one of the triad of life-threatening drug hypersensitivity dermatoses, along with acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN). In this article, we discuss several controversies that surround DRESS, including problems with nomenclature and the lack of consensus in diagnostic criteria.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Eruptions* / classification
  • Drug Eruptions* / pathology
  • Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions*
  • Eosinophilia* / chemically induced
  • Eosinophilia* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Terminology as Topic
  • Time Factors