Question 1

What is Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)?

Accepted Answer

Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe, potentially life-threatening drug reaction characterized by widespread skin rash, fever, elevated eosinophils, and organ damage. It is caused by an immune system hypersensitivity reaction to medications such as anticonvulsants, allopurinol, sulfonamide antibiotics, and vancomycin. The BasoFunction HRT Penicillin test is the most important test for detecting severe penicillin-related drug reactions that may contribute to DRESS syndrome development.

Question 2

What causes DRESS syndrome?

Accepted Answer

DRESS syndrome is caused by an abnormal immune system reaction to specific medications, most commonly anticonvulsants like carbamazepine and phenytoin, allopurinol for gout, sulfonamide antibiotics, vancomycin, and certain other drugs. The reaction typically develops 2 to 8 weeks after starting the medication, when your immune system becomes hypersensitive and attacks your own tissues. This delayed response can cause widespread inflammation affecting your skin, liver, kidneys, heart, and other vital organs, making it a medical emergency that requires immediate discontinuation of the triggering medication.

Question 3

What is the best test for DRESS syndrome?

Accepted Answer

The BasoFunction HRT Penicillin (Minor Det) test is the most important test for detecting severe penicillin-related drug reactions that may contribute to DRESS syndrome. This specialized test measures specific biomarkers that indicate severe drug hypersensitivity reactions, helping identify whether penicillin antibiotics are triggering your symptoms. Additionally, doctors will order a complete blood count to check for elevated eosinophils (a type of white blood cell), liver function tests to assess hepatic damage, kidney function tests, and other organ-specific panels to monitor the extent of systemic involvement. While DRESS is primarily diagnosed based on clinical symptoms, these blood tests are essential for confirming the diagnosis and monitoring treatment progress.

Question 4

When should I get tested for DRESS syndrome?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested immediately if you develop a widespread skin rash, high fever, facial swelling, or other unusual symptoms 2 to 8 weeks after starting a new medication. Seek emergency medical attention if you notice yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine, severe fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, or difficulty breathing, as these indicate possible organ damage. Early testing and discontinuation of the triggering medication is critical because DRESS syndrome can rapidly progress to life-threatening complications including liver failure, kidney damage, and heart problems if left untreated.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of DRESS syndrome?

Accepted Answer

DRESS syndrome symptoms include a widespread red or purple skin rash that covers large areas of your body, high fever above 101°F, facial swelling especially around your eyes and lips, and swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin. You might experience severe fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, or yellowing of your skin and eyes indicating liver damage. Some people develop breathing difficulties, chest pain, joint pain, or confusion as the condition affects multiple organ systems. The symptoms typically appear 2 to 8 weeks after starting a new medication and can worsen rapidly without treatment.

Question 6

Who is at risk for DRESS syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Anyone taking high-risk medications like anticonvulsants, allopurinol, sulfonamide antibiotics, or vancomycin is at risk for DRESS syndrome, though it remains a rare reaction. People of Asian descent have higher genetic susceptibility to DRESS from certain anticonvulsants, particularly carbamazepine. Your risk increases if you have a history of other severe drug reactions, reactivation of certain viral infections like Epstein-Barr virus or human herpesvirus-6, or if you are taking multiple medications simultaneously. Individuals with weakened immune systems or those who have previously experienced milder drug allergies should be especially vigilant when starting new medications.

Question 7

What happens if DRESS syndrome is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated DRESS syndrome can lead to life-threatening organ failure, including acute liver failure, kidney failure, and heart damage that may become permanent. The mortality rate for DRESS syndrome ranges from 5 to 10 percent even with treatment, but becomes significantly higher without immediate medical intervention. Long-term complications include chronic liver disease, permanent kidney damage requiring dialysis, autoimmune disorders, and thyroid problems that can persist for months or years after the initial reaction. Early recognition and discontinuation of the causative medication, along with supportive medical care, is essential for preventing these severe and potentially fatal outcomes.

Question 8

Can DRESS syndrome be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

DRESS syndrome cannot be diagnosed by a single blood test alone, but blood work is essential for confirming the diagnosis and monitoring disease severity. Blood tests reveal elevated eosinophils (typically above 1,500 cells per microliter), abnormal liver enzymes indicating hepatic damage, elevated creatinine suggesting kidney problems, and other markers of organ dysfunction. The BasoFunction HRT Penicillin test can detect severe drug reactions to penicillin antibiotics that may trigger DRESS. Doctors use these test results in combination with clinical symptoms, medication history, and timing of symptom onset to make a definitive diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.

Question 9

How is DRESS syndrome treated?

Accepted Answer

DRESS syndrome treatment begins with immediately stopping the medication causing the reaction, which is the most critical step for recovery. Doctors typically prescribe systemic corticosteroids like prednisone to suppress the immune system reaction and reduce inflammation, with treatment lasting several weeks to months and gradually tapered to prevent relapse. You may need hospitalization for supportive care including intravenous fluids, monitoring of organ function, and management of complications like liver or kidney failure. In severe cases, additional immunosuppressive medications or intravenous immunoglobulin may be necessary, and some patients require intensive care for life-threatening organ damage. Recovery can take weeks to months, with ongoing blood tests needed to monitor organ function.

Question 10

How can I prevent DRESS syndrome?

Accepted Answer

You can reduce your risk of DRESS syndrome by informing all healthcare providers about any previous drug allergies or unusual reactions to medications before starting new prescriptions. Request genetic testing before taking high-risk medications like carbamazepine if you have Asian ancestry, as certain genetic markers indicate higher susceptibility. Always start new medications at the lowest effective dose and watch carefully for early warning signs like rash, fever, or facial swelling during the first 2 to 8 weeks. Avoid taking multiple new medications simultaneously when possible, and maintain a detailed medication diary documenting any side effects or unusual symptoms so you can quickly identify potential triggers.

Question 11

What can I do at home for DRESS syndrome?

Accepted Answer

DRESS syndrome is a medical emergency that requires immediate professional treatment and cannot be safely managed at home with natural remedies. If you suspect DRESS syndrome, stop taking the suspected medication and seek emergency medical care immediately rather than attempting home treatment. Once you are under medical supervision and recovering, you can support your healing by staying well-hydrated, eating a nutritious diet to support liver and kidney function, getting adequate rest, and carefully following your doctor's corticosteroid tapering schedule. Keep all follow-up appointments for blood tests to monitor organ function, avoid the triggering medication permanently, and wear a medical alert bracelet listing your drug allergy to prevent future exposure.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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DRESS Syndrome Blood Test

What is Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)?

What causes DRESS syndrome?

What is the best test for DRESS syndrome?

When should I get tested for DRESS syndrome?

References

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