Dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome: A rare life threatening complication of dapsone therapy

Abstract

Dapsone can cause several adverse effects, the most serious being dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome (DHS), which is potentially fatal. Here we report a case of severe, life threatening dapsone systemic hypersensitivity syndrome in a 17‑year‑old male who presented with high grade fever, eosinophilia, lymphadenopathy, skin rash, hepatitis and encephalopathy, which was managed successfully with oral steroids. The case is being reported to emphasize the need for timely diagnosis and prompt treatment of this rare complication for successful outcomes. DHS is also reviewed in brief.

Keywords: Drug rash; eosinophilia; hepatitis; hypersensitivity