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Dapsone syndrome--first Malaysian paediatric case report.
Z Zurina1, O Elizawaty, S Thevarajah
1Paediatric Department of Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. zurina@medic.upm.edu.my
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
|May 16, 2012
Summary
Dapsone syndrome, a severe hypersensitivity reaction to dapsone (a sulphone drug), can be fatal. Prompt diagnosis and steroid treatment are crucial for rapid recovery in patients with Hansen's disease.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Dapsone is a key component in multidrug regimens for Hansen's disease.
- Hypersensitivity reactions to dapsone can be severe and life-threatening.
- Early recognition of dapsone syndrome is critical for patient outcomes.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old girl presented with high-grade fever, jaundice, exfoliative rash, and hepatomegaly.
- Symptoms appeared five weeks after initiating multidrug therapy for Hansen's disease.
- Clinical presentation suggested a severe drug reaction.
Findings:
- Laboratory tests revealed leucocytosis with eosinophilia.
- Liver enzymes were significantly deranged, indicating hepatic involvement.
- An abnormal coagulation profile was also noted, suggesting systemic effects.
Implications:
- Immediate cessation of dapsone and corticosteroid administration led to successful recovery.
- This case highlights the importance of clinical vigilance for diagnosing dapsone syndrome.
- Prompt intervention is essential to mitigate the potentially fatal consequences of this hypersensitivity reaction.
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