Symptoms and danger signs in acute drug hypersensitivity.

Full Abstract

Early and rapid recognition of severe adverse drug reactions is essential. Prompt withdrawal of the offending drug is the most important action to minimize morbidity and mortality. Dependent on the type of reaction, e.g. in immediate type reactions instant withdrawal and therapy are mandatory, whereas in delayed reactions diagnosis as early as possible may be life-saving. The skin is an important herald organ and may early signal a severe evolution of a cutaneous reaction or involvement of circulating blood cells or internal organs. A synthesis considering all factors should be made to obtain an early and correct diagnosis.

Author information

Author/s: Bircher, Andreas J (AJ);

Affiliation: Allergy Unit, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland. andreas.bircher(-atsign-)unibas.ch

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Toxicology (Toxicology), published in Ireland. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2005-Apr; vol 209 (issue 2) : pp 201-7

Dates: Created 2005/03/15; Completed 2005/05/12;

PMID: 15767037, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

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