Two cases of overlap severe cutaneous adverse reactions to benznidazole treatment for asymptomatic Chagas disease in a nonendemic country. (7th April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: González‐Ramos, J.; Noguera‐Morel, L.; Tong, H.Y.; Ramírez, E.; Ruiz‐Bravo, E.; Bellón, T.; Cabañas, R.; Cachafeiro, L.; Herranz‐Pinto, P.
• Is Part Of: British journal of dermatology. Volume 175:Number 3(2016)
• Page Start: 604
• Page End: 607
• Publication Date: 2016-04-07
• Subjects: Dermatology -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1111/bjd.14451
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-0963

Abstract

Summary: Chagas disease is a parasitosis endemic to South America. It is normally treated with benznidazole as first choice, which has been associated with numerous cutaneous reactions. However, very few benznidazole‐associated severe cutaneous adverse reactions have been reported to date. The rise of Chagas disease in nonendemic countries represents a growing public health challenge. We report two patients who met the criteria for drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome and Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis according to the RegiSCAR scoring systems. They were thus deemed overlapping cases, with a lymphocyte transformation test positive for benznidazole. Both required intensive care unit admission and both survived. Considering the rising application of this drug for trypanosomiasis in immigrant populations, clinicians should be aware of this newly reported, potentially life‐threatening risk. Abstract : What's already known about this topic? Cutaneous reactions to benznidazole are common; however, severe cases have rarely been reported. What does this study add? Benznidazole may induce potentially life‐threatening severe cutaneous adverse reactions. There should be greater awareness among physicians of this newly reported risk.