Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 30, 2026
12:23
Granulocyte-dependent Autoantibody-induced Skin Blistering
Published on: October 12, 2012
9.9K
Mononucleosis-like drug rash: an interesting case presentation
Reshma T Vishnani1, Ram H Malkani1, Afsha A Topal1
1Department of Dermatology, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care
|May 3, 2014
Summary
Dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome (DHS) is a rare but severe reaction to dapsone. Prompt diagnosis and awareness are crucial for managing this potentially fatal condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Dapsone is frequently prescribed for various dermatological and systemic conditions.
- Dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome (DHS) is a rare but serious adverse drug reaction.
- Early recognition of DHS is vital due to its potential for severe morbidity and mortality.
Observation:
- A 35-year-old male presented with rash, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice.
- The patient had recently taken dapsone for refractory urticaria.
- Initial differential diagnoses included infectious mononucleosis and viral exanthema.
Findings:
- Thorough investigations confirmed the diagnosis of Dapsone Hypersensitivity Syndrome (DHS).
- DHS is characterized by a constellation of symptoms including rash, fever, and organ involvement.
- This case highlights the unpredictable nature of dapsone-induced hypersensitivity.
Implications:
- Physicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for DHS in patients on dapsone therapy.
- Prompt identification and withdrawal of dapsone are critical for patient outcomes.
- Raising awareness of DHS is essential to prevent severe complications and improve clinical practice.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
209
Drug-related allergies are immune-mediated responses triggered by the administration of pharmacological agents. These hypersensitivity reactions are classified based on the immune mechanisms involved. The four primary types—Type I, II, III, and IV—are mediated by different immunological pathways and exhibit distinct clinical manifestations.Type I Hypersensitivity/ IgE-Mediated Reactions: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) immediately mediates Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Upon initial...
209
01:16Drug toxicity: Idiosyncratic Reactions
220
Idiosyncratic drug reactions represent abnormal chemical responses that vary significantly among individuals, ranging from extreme sensitivity to low doses to insensitivity to high doses. These reactions often occur due to the drug's covalent binding with serum proteins, forming a foreign hapten that triggers an immunotoxicological response. The variability in drug reactions has a strong pharmacogenetic foundation, with genetic differences crucial in how individuals metabolize drugs. For...
220
01:19Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions
269
Type III hypersensitivity reactions occur when antigen–antibody complexes form and activate the complement system. Normally, these complexes help the clearance of antigens by phagocytes and red blood cells. However, when large numbers of immune complexes are present, they can deposit in tissues—particularly in the walls of blood vessels—leading to inflammation and tissue injury. These deposits trigger complement activation and neutrophil recruitment, resulting in serum...
269
01:27Allergic Drug Reactions
1.6K
Allergic reactions related to drugs are hypersensitivity responses driven by the immune system and bear no connection to the drug's therapeutic action. While drugs in isolation do not trigger an immune response, they can interact with endogenous proteins to form antigens. These antigens stimulate lymphocytes to produce antibodies. IgE-type antibodies attach themselves to mast cells. Upon subsequent exposure to the same stimulus, the antigen-antibody interaction is initiated, unleashing...
1.6K
01:27Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
493
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
493
01:01Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions
208
Type II hypersensitivity involves IgG and IgM antibodies targeting cell surface antigens, leading to cell destruction. This can occur through complement activation, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), or acting as opsonins for phagocytosis. When excessive, these reactions cause significant tissue damage.Drug-induced hemolytic anemia is a common example, where drugs like penicillin or cephalosporins bind to red blood cells, forming drug-protein complexes. These complexes...
208