A study of cutaneous adverse drug reactions in a tertiary care center in Punjab

Niharika Jha, Emy Alexander, Bimal Kanish, Dinesh K Badyal

Indian Dermatology Online Journal 2018 9(5):299-303

Context: Cutaneous adverse drug eruptions are the most common adverse reactions attributed to drugs in which any type of skin reaction can be mimicked, induced, or aggravated. Aims: To study the pattern of various types of cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADRs), to find out the causative drug(s) involved and to determine the response to treatment and outcome in patients with CADRs. Patients and Methods: This prospective study was done in the department of dermatology. Patients with suspected drug rash, of either sex and all age groups were included in the study. Statistical Analysis: Frequencies and proportions were calculated using Chi-square test and t-test as the tests of significance. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: A total of 258 patients were enrolled in the study. The most common CADR observed in the study was exanthematous drug eruption in 42.63% patients followed by drug induced urticaria in 21.32% patients. Antimicrobials were the most common offending drugs in 64.73% of patients, followed by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in 15.50% patients. In the study, 12 patients (4.65%) were found to have severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCADRs). Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) - Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) was the most common SCADR (50%) and antituberculous drugs were the most common causative group of drugs causing SCADRs. Conclusion: The most common CADR observed in the study was exanthematous drug eruption and antimicrobials were the most common causative drugs.