Prolonged Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome/DRESS With Alopecia Areata and Autoimmune Thyroiditis

The document discusses a case of drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS)/DRESS, a severe reaction to medication characterized by skin eruptions, organ involvement, viral reactivation, and blood abnormalities, triggered by lamotrigine. The patient experienced a prolonged course of the condition, requiring treatment with oral corticosteroids and narrow-band ultraviolet B therapy, and developed extensive alopecia areata and autoimmune thyroiditis. The case highlights that DIHS/DRESS can necessitate extended treatment and that while oral corticosteroids are the primary treatment, they carry significant side effects. Alternative treatments like cyclosporine may be promising, but more research is needed to assess their safety and effectiveness. Additionally, patients with DIHS/DRESS should be monitored for potential autoimmune complications.