Dapsone syndrome--a five year retrospective analysis

Seventeen cases of dapsone syndrome were seen in five years from 1992 onwards. Their mean age was 27.8 years (range 11 to 60 years). Male to female ratio was 1.1:1. Of these cases, seven had confirmed leprosy, nine were cases of suspected leprosy and one case had lichen planus. On an average, they developed the symptoms 27 days after the intake of dapsone. The cutaneous lesions were in the form of erythematous papules and plaques (13 cases), eczematous lesions (four cases) and associated bullous lesions (two cases). The other manifestations were: fever (16 cases), pruritus (15 cases), lymphadenopathy (14 cases), hepatomegaly (10 cases), icterus and oral erosions (five cases each), photosensitivity (four cases) and splenomegaly (two cases). Previous drug allergy was present in four cases. Elevated ESR and liver enzyme levels were invariable findings. Raised bilirubin levels and hemolytic anaemia were seen in eight cases. Apart from one case with hepatic encephalopathy, all other cases had a favourable outcome either on conservative management (eight cases) or on oral corticosteroids (eight cases). Oral provocation test was done in two cases with positive response while intradermal test was not very reliable.