[Red man syndrome as a complication of vancomycin therapy]

Red man syndrome (RMS) is a side effect of vancomycin therapy and manifests itself mainly by a red blotchy rash with itching and sometimes muscle pain and a decrease of arterial blood pressure.

24-year-old patient admitted to hospital with a history of chest pain radiating to the back. EKG has shown the depression of PQ, in the ECHO mark of liquid in the pericardial cavity and the increase of CRP and troponin concentrations. The patient was diagnosed with acute pericarditis and treated with ibuprofen and colchicine. Due to the increasing parameters of inflammation, a bacterial etiology was suspected and vancomycin was administered. During antibiotic therapy, there were symptoms of a mild adverse reaction in the form of a maculopapular rash and periodic decreases in blood pressure. RMS was diagnosed and symptoms resolved after treatment with cetirizine.

RMS should be distinguished from anaphylaxis and treated according to the diagnosis.