Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a rare, but serious systemic hypersensitivity reaction associated with a range of medications. We present two cases of vancomycin-induced DRESS, which occurred simultaneously in the orthopaedic ward in an outer metropolitan hospital. These cases demonstrate the complexity in the diagnosis and management of this inflammatory syndrome on the background of known infection as well as evidence for linezolid as an alternative to vancomycin. The first case was managed conservatively, but developed progressive renal and liver injury along with demonstrated cytomegalovirus reactivation and recurrent colitis, and was eventually palliated. The second was commenced on intravenous glucocorticoids and achieved remission, although had ongoing renal dysfunction at the time of discharge from outpatient follow-up.

Original publication

DOI

10.1136/bcr-2020-238006

Type

Journal

BMJ case reports

Publication Date

01/2021

Volume

14

Addresses

Orthopaedics Unit, Redcliffe Hospital, Redcliffe, Queensland, Australia mjcox91@gmail.com.

Keywords

Humans, Fever, Vancomycin, Glucocorticoids, Anti-Bacterial Agents, Aged, Middle Aged, Female, Male, Acute Kidney Injury, Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome, Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury