Antitubercular therapy causing drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms manifesting multi-organ dysfunction syndrome and death in an elderly patient: A case report with review of literature.

Abstract

We present the case of a drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) manifesting multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) that led to death in an elderly patient during the intensive phase of antitubercular therapy (ATT). A 74-year-old male developed skin rash (morbilliform), patchy erythematous macules, pustular-purpuric nonblanching spots, fever, lymphadenopathy, liver dysfunction, leukocytosis, and eosinophilia during intensive phase of ATT (ATT: day 45). Laboratory tests revealed hypereosinophilia (eosinophils; 10500/μL), hyperacute fulminant hepatic failure (aspartate transaminase/alanine transaminase; 1444/1375 IU/L, total bilirubin; 11.3 mg/dL), hepatic encephalopathy (Child-Pugh score: 15), coagulopathy (international normalized ratio; 3.0 and activated partial thromboplastin time; 52 s), and acute renal failure (serum creatinine; 2.6 mg/dL). The patient was diagnosed with DRESS with a RegiSCAR score of 7 (definite). ATT was discontinued. Despite immediate treatment with pulse methylprednisolone, N-acetylcysteine and sustained low-efficiency dialysis, the patient's clinical condition evolved to shock due to MODS (sequential organ failure Assessment: 15 points), and on day 51, he succumbed. Concluding, an elderly patient with high-dose antitubercular drugs needs a clinical management review. Clinical symptoms pertaining to DRESS may paradoxically worsen after 3-4 days of discontinuation of the offending drug.

• Authors: Bijoy Kumar Panda, Vaibhav Rajendra Suryawanshi, Asawari Raut, Samrudhi Joshi, Bharat Purandare
• Journal: International journal of mycobacteriology (Int J Mycobacteriol) 2023 Jul-Sep Vol. 12 Issue 3 Pg. 360-363 ISSN: 2212-554X [Electronic] India
• PMID: 37721245 (Publication Type: Review, Case Reports)

Chemical References

• Antitubercular Agents

Topics

• Male
• Humans
• Aged
• Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome (diagnosis, etiology, therapy)
• Antitubercular Agents (adverse effects)
• Multiple Organ Failure (complications)
• Eosinophilia (complications)
• Fever