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Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis
Published on: December 15, 2011
Drug hypersensitivity syndrome with significant gastrointestinal involvement
Wan-Ling Chung1, Lynn Teo, Yi-Shi Wang
1Department of Dermatology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore 529889. gnilnaw@gmail.com
Singapore Medical Journal
|November 30, 2012
Summary
Drug hypersensitivity syndrome (DHS) can cause severe gastrointestinal issues like prolonged diarrhea. Intravenous corticosteroids are crucial for managing gut involvement in DHS, alongside fluid and electrolyte monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Gastroenterology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Drug hypersensitivity syndrome (DHS) is an unpredictable systemic drug reaction with varied clinical presentations.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in DHS, but severe gut morbidity is infrequently reported.
Observation:
- A case of DHS presented with prolonged, profuse watery diarrhea and persistent hypokalemia.
- Intravenous hydrocortisone administration led to symptom resolution.
Findings:
- Severe gastrointestinal involvement in DHS, including accelerated gut motility and mucosal damage, can impair oral medication absorption.
- Intravenous corticosteroids are vital for managing gastrointestinal manifestations of DHS.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider intravenous corticosteroids for DHS patients with significant gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Comprehensive supportive care, including fluid and electrolyte monitoring and replacement, is fundamental in managing DHS with gut involvement.
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