[Severe cholestatic hepatitis revealing a DRESS syndrome]

Abstract

Introduction: Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome, characterized by rash, hyereosinophilia and multiorgan failure, including cytolytic hepatitis.

Case report: A 75-year-old man, treated with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, presented with jaundice and disabling pruritus associated with severe cholestatic hepatitis, related to a DRESS syndrome. Because of the persistence of cholestasis and the severity of pruritus, a treatment with corticosteroids and plasma exchanges was initiated, allowing a rapid and complete remission.

Conclusion: Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, although rarely described in the literature, is a rare cause of DRESS syndrome. Severe cholestatic hepatitis associated with disabling pruritus may be one of the systemic manifestations, with a good prognosis using corticosteroids and plasma exchanges.

Keywords: Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid; Amoxicilline/acide clavulanique; Cholestatic hepatitis; DRESS; Hépatite cholestatique; Plasma exchanges; Prurit; Pruritus; Échanges plasmatiques.