Retrospective study on the association of human herpesvirus reactivation with severe DRESS: A description of blood and skin reactivations.

BACKGROUND: Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) is a severe adverse event (mortality of 10%). Its pathophysiology involves herpesviruses, particularly HHV-6, but the exact mechanisms are still poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To describe severe cases of DRESS and especially their association with herpesvirus reactivation. METHODS: This study was a multicentre case series conducted between 2007 and 2021 at five University Hospital Centres in France. The study included patients who had severe DRESS, which was defined as death, transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU), or severe damage to internal organs. We excluded patients without blood PCR sample, without a drug formally attributed or with RegiSCAR score < 6. We collected data on severity, causative drug, associated visceral damage and results of viral blood PCRs. HHV-6 reactivation was studied in skin biopsies by detection of small non-coding transcripts (HHV-6 miR-aU14) and a late viral protein (GP82/105). RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were included (29 female, median age 62, interquartile range (IQR) [37;72]). Eight patients (15%) died, 13 (27%) were admitted to ICU. Most patients (n = 34; 65%) had multisystem involvement: most frequent was liver (n = 46; 88%), then renal failure (n = 24; 46%). Forty patients (77%) had at least one blood viral reactivation among HHV-6, EBV or CMV, of which 21 (53%) had at least two. Median time of blood HHV-6 reactivation was 24 days (IQR [20;35]). HHV-6 reactivation was demonstrated in 15 out of 20 skin biopsies, with a median time of 11 days [9;17]. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed the high rate of HHV-6 reactivation in severe DRESS and demonstrated cutaneous HHV-6 reactivation using small non-coding transcripts (HHV-6 miR-aU14), which preceded viral PCR positivity in blood. These results suggest that HHV-6 reactivation during DRESS may start in skin. Furthermore, search for miR-aU14 in skin biopsy could become a useful diagnostic tool for early detection of HHV-6 reactivation.

[Sickle cell trait complications: A case series of 6 patients]. / Complications du trait drépanocytaire : à propos d'une série de 6 cas.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with sickle cell trait (SCT) are commonly considered as asymptomatic carriers. However, some clinical manifestations may occur. METHODS: Here we present a retrospective descriptive study about SCT subjects with at least one complication diagnosed in a sickle cell disease referral center, in Paris, between 2008 and 2019. We also performed a literature review on the complications of SCT subjects. RESULTS: Six patients (between 19 and 65 years old) were included. SCT was already known only for 4 of them at the time of the complication. Four patients presented with a splenic infarct after a stay in high altitude or a plane trip, one of them was associated with papillary necrosis; one patient had isolated papillary necrosis, and the last one had splenic sequestration. These complications happened for most of them after exposure to an unusual situation of hypoxia or deshydratation. Five out of 6 patients had a marked elevated C reactive protein. CONCLUSION: SCT may cause acute ischemic complications in a context of prolonged hypoxia or dehydration. The most commonly reported are the splenic infarct and the renal papillary necrosis. A study of hemoglobin should be considered in these clinical situations in patients with compatible ethnic origin.