High procalcitonin in a patient with drug hypersensitivity syndrome

Intern Med. 2009;48(16):1471-4. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.48.2151. Epub 2009 Aug 17.

Abstract

We present a patient who developed carbamazepine (CBZ)-induced Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) syndrome associated with high serum procalcitonin (PCT). The presentation (high fever, hepatosplenomegaly, leukocytosis), high PCT and CRP initially suggested sepsis, and he was treated with antibiotics, while CBZ was continued. The rash and hepatitis worsened. After withdrawal of CBZ, corticosteroid therapy was administered and the patient recovered with normalization of PCT. This case demonstrates that PCT may be increased in patients with DRESS. This is the first report of CBZ-induced DRESS associated with high PCT, and the second case of increased PCT in DRESS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Calcitonin / biosynthesis*
  • Calcitonin / blood
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide
  • Carbamazepine / adverse effects
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / blood*
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / complications
  • Drug Hypersensitivity / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Protein Precursors / biosynthesis*
  • Protein Precursors / blood
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • CALCA protein, human
  • Protein Precursors
  • Carbamazepine
  • Calcitonin
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide