Prospective evaluation of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)

Abstract

Introduction: DRESS syndrome is a severe drug-induced reaction with delayed onset and multiorgan involvement. Data from North Africa remain limited. Objectives: To describe the clinical and biological features of DRESS in a Moroccan study. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 77 patients diagnosed with DRESS according to RegiSCAR criteria. Results: Patients had a mean age of 48 years; 64% were women. The average latency was 27 days. Rash was universal, with erythroderma in 66%. Fever, mucosal involvement, and lymphadenopathy were each present in over half of cases. Hypereosinophilia was noted in 79%. Hepatic involvement was most common. Allopurinol was the leading culprit drug (34%). Corticosteroids were used in 88%, with a favorable outcome in 83%. Five deaths occurred. Conclusion: Our results are consistent with international data but show a higher rate of erythroderma and a strong predominance of allopurinol, highlighting the need for targeted prevention.