Allopurinol

Abstract

DRESS (Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) syndrome is a potentially fatal and probably underrecognized complication of allopurinol. We present the case of a 33 year old male with this condition who required intensive care support and subsequently improved following corticosteroid therapy. We review the literature considering optimal strategies for treatment and prevention of this condition. We believe that acute physicians clinicians should have greater awareness of this complication of allopurinol therapy.