A new case study suggests that HHV-6 might play a role in the multi-organ failure that often follows extreme cases of drug hypersensitivity. Although there have been many studies documenting HHV-6 viremia in drug hypersensitivity (DIHS/DRESS) cases, this is the first to examine an affected organ for signs of HHV-6 DNA and proteins. The mortality rate from severe drug hypersensitivity …
Pediatric drug hypersensitivity cases with HHV-6 reactivation have a more severe disease and longer hospital stays
A group at the University of Pennsylvania performed a retroactive study of 29 pediatric patients hospitalized with drug hypersensitivity reactions and found that those who reactivated with HHV-6 had longer lengths of stay (11.5 days vs. 5. days) and more severe illness. They were not able to determine the impact of steroid administration in HHV-6 positive patients.
Interview with Drs. Ishida and Shiohara
Drs. Ishida and Shiohara from Kyorin University in Tokyo have publised an inportant new study on the dynamics of herpesvirus reactivations during and after severe drug reactions. We asked them their thoughts on the implications of their findings.
Steroids increase HHV-6 but reduce EBV viral loads in DIHS/DRESS
In a recent study published in the European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, a group from Kyorin University School of Medicine in Tokyo sought to comprehensively record the dynamics of key herpesviruses beyond the acute stage of SJS/TEN. While EBV loads were higher in patients not receiving systemic corticosteroids, CMV and HHV-6 loads were higher in those receiving them.
HMGB-1 found to be preferentially elevated in DIHS/DRESS: the key to HHV-6 reactivation?
A group of investigators in Japan have determined that HMGB-1, an inflammatory cytokine released in response to trauma, stress, and surgery, is highly elevated in DIHS/DRESS patients.
TNF-α predicts HHV-6 reactivation and disease progression in patients with DIHS/DRESS
While elevated TNF-a detected at the early onset of disease is a strong indicator for the early recognition of HHV-6 reactivation, this finding also reflects important therapeutic information that could be used as an early diagnostic marker of DIHS/DRESS.
French dermatologists call for antiviral therapy in DRESS
French panel of experts has proposed that DRESS patients be treated with antivirals and/or immunoglobulins.
Does HHV-6 cause thyroiditis and autoimmunity in patients with drug hypersensitivity?
Case report describes two cases of DRESS related thyroiditis with very high levels of HHV-6 reactivation that go on to develop autoimmunity.
Saliva testing found to be useful for herpesvirus detection in patients with drug hypersensitivity
A french group has found preliminary evidence that PCR saliva testing is useful for the detection of herpesvirus reactivation among patients with drug hypersensitivity syndromes.
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