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Erythema multiforme from betalactams with positive cutaneous tests
A Alonso Gómez1, P Barranco Sanz, R Cabañas
1Allergy Section, La Paz University General Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
Journal of Investigational Allergology & Clinical Immunology
|February 9, 2000
Summary
Severe skin reactions like blisters and peeling occurred in a woman after taking ampicillin and amoxicillin. Delayed skin tests confirmed a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to these beta-lactam antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Clinical Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Beta-lactam antibiotics, including ampicillin and amoxicillin, are widely used.
- Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) are potential side effects of antibiotic use.
- Distinguishing immediate from delayed hypersensitivity reactions is crucial for patient management.
Observation:
- A patient developed severe cutaneous reactions, including generalized erythema, maculopapular rash, blistering, and desquamation.
- Clinical diagnosis of erythema multiforme syndrome was made.
- Delayed hypersensitivity was suspected based on the clinical presentation.
Findings:
- Positive delayed cutaneous tests confirmed hypersensitivity to benzylpenicillin, amoxicillin, and ampicillin.
- The patient exhibited delayed hypersensitivity to beta-lactam antibiotics, a rare presentation.
- This case highlights the utility of delayed hypersensitivity testing in specific drug reactions.
Implications:
- Positive delayed hypersensitivity reactions to beta-lactams are infrequently reported.
- Accurate diagnosis of drug hypersensitivity is essential for preventing future severe reactions.
- This case underscores the importance of considering delayed hypersensitivity mechanisms in antibiotic-induced SCARs.