Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 26, 2026

Basophil Activation Test for Investigation of IgE-Mediated Mechanisms in Drug Hypersensitivity
Published on: September 16, 2011
Epidemiology of severe drug hypersensitivity
Roni P Dodiuk-Gad, Philip M Laws, Neil H Shear1
1Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Canada.
Abstract:
Epidemiological studies of severe drug hypersensitivities are important to understanding the morbidity and mortality of this heterogeneous group of disorders. These insights also allow greater identification of at-risk patient groups. However, epidemiological studies of drug hypersensitivity reactions are challenging due to the variable diagnostic criteria applied and incomplete data sets studied. We review the epidemiology of severe drug hypersensitivity reactions with a particular focus on severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs). SCAR diseases include: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug rash eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, serum-sickness-like reaction and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions
Allergic Drug Reactions
Drug toxicity: Idiosyncratic Reactions
Drug Toxicity: Risk factors
Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis
Drug Toxicity: Overview

