Drug Eruptions at Five Institutes in Bangkok
Siripen Puavilai MD*, Nopadon Noppakun MD**, Chasuree Sitakalin MD***, Vichit Leenutaphong MD****, Penpun Wattanakrai MD*, Artit Nakakes MD***, Kanokvalai Kulthanan MD****, Pravit Asawanonda MD**, Ratsanee Akaraphan MD*****, Poohglin Tresukosol MD*****, Puan Suthipinittharm MD****, Pitchaya Somburanasin MD*, Somyos Charuwichitratana MD*, Natta Rajatanavin MD*
Affiliation : * Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital Medical School, Mahidol University ** Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University *** Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Phramongkutklao Hospital and Medical College **** Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University ***** Institute of Dermatology, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health
The study was performed in five hospitals in Bangkok for a period of one year. All in- and outpatients who developed drug eruption from January to December 2001 were enrolled into the study. Physical examina- tions and complete history-taking were performed by one of the authors. A skin biopsy was done to confirm the diagnosis in every suspected case. Oral challenge test was performed to obtain a definite diagnosis only in some patients with informed consent. Among 212 patients, the most common causative drugs were antimicrobial agents with cephalosporin group in the highest rank. Maculopapular rash was the most common type of drug eruption followed by urticaria and photosensitivity reaction. It was concluded that antimicrobial agents were the predominant causative agents and maculo- papular eruption was the most frequent clinical manifestation. New kinds of antimicrobial agents, anti- inflammatory drugs and lipid lowering agents could cause various patterns of drug eruption.
Keywords : Drug eruption, Maculopapular rash, Antimicrobial agents
