For 16-year-old Izzy McKinney, a course of treatment with the antibiotic Bactrim first led to fevers and a bad rash. But that was just the beginning. What no one realized was that Izzy was suffering from a severe case of D.R.E.S.S: Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms. This introductory episode tells the tragic story of how DRESS syndrome took Izzy's life, leaving behind a devastated family. It is a cautionary tale that illustrates the importance of understanding and ...

Medication-induced drug disorders have been evident for nearly a century and labeled with a variety of names. French dermatologist Dr. Vincent Descamps, who has been at the forefront of DRESS syndrome since the mid-1990s, joins us to review this historically misunderstood and under-reported illness. We'll also discuss the history of how an international team of researchers and physicians identified the clinical condition known as DRESS (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms).&...

Hannah's mother and long-time DRESS advocate, Nancy Szakacsy tells of her daughter's struggle against a fatal case of DRESS syndrome that was triggered by the antibiotic Minocycline. The devastation of losing Hannah, and the obvious lack of information and resources for families like hers inspired Nancy to write a book about her daughter's illness. She now leads what has become the largest network of support for those affected by DRESS, and is currently Vice-President of the DRESS Syndrome ...

International severe adverse drug reaction experts, Dr. David Ostrov and Dr. Vincent Descamps, talk to us about the immune response that occurs in DRESS syndrome as well as how antiviral and steroid therapies are often indicated in fighting this condition. We also hear from Kent Van Donge about the importance of a team approach in the treatment of DRESS. Interview: Dr.David A.Ostrov (Associate Professor of Experimental Pathology/University of Florida), Dr. Vincent Descamps (Professor of De...

In this episode, we talk with world-renowned DRESS Syndrome expert, Dr. Elizabeth Phillips. She and her colleagues at Vanderbilt University Medical Center are working to better understand the genetic factors that increase a patient's risk for developing life-threatening, immune-mediated drug reactions - with a focus on simple, inexpensive diagnostic tests can save countless lives. Interview: Dr. Elizabeth J. Phillips (Professor of Medicine, Pharmacology, Pathology, Microbiology and Immu...

Theresa Stickney shares the story of her long and complicated course of illness with DRESS Syndrome, triggered by the drug Vancomycin. Since recovering, she has been inspired to share what she knows, both as a nurse and a patient - helping other patients, caregivers, doctors and researchers better understand this often misdiagnosed and difficult to treat condition. Interview: Theresa McDonnell Stickney (Mother, Registered Nurse, DRESS patient and advocate), August, 2019 in Bethesda, MD...

From opposite ends of the U.S., two mothers share a common bond. They both know what it’s like to sit at a child’s hospital bedside, desperately searching the world over for the medical information that could save their daughter’s life. When the resources they needed weren’t available, they took matters into their own hands to create them. While working through their grief, these mothers have bonded in their mission to create better awareness of DRESS syndrome and support others who suffer f...

Life-threatening drug reactions often present with a rash, so dermatologists may be the first line of defense for treatment. Dr. Arash Mostaghimi, a dermatologist at Harvard Medical School’s Brigham & Women’s Hospital, draws on his experience with DRESS patients in teaching medical students about this complex and often misunderstood condition. Interview: Dr. Arash Mostaghimi (Assistant professor of Dermatology, Director of Inpatient Consultation Services, co-director of the&nb...

When Linda Wondrack was diagnosed with rheumatoid disease in 2015, she never imagined that her treatment with Sulfasalazine would end up leaving her even more severely ill. In the wake of a complicated recovery from DRESS, she shares the physical and psychological toll this delayed drug reaction can take... and the importance of self-advocacy and self-care. Linda's Website: Surviving DRESS https://www.survivingdress.org

Viruses from previous infection may stay dormant in our bodies for years - sleeping away the time, never causing any trouble. However, in immunosuppressed conditions like DRESS, the virus may awaken and wreak havoc. Viral reactivation of human herpesviruses, in particular HHV-6, are a known phenomenon of DRESS, occurring in up to 50% of patients. While the exact role of HHV-6 reactivation in DRESS has been a controversial topic, many experts believe that it is not taken seriously enough...

German virologist, Dr. Bhupesh Prusty, discusses his research on the human herpes virus, HHV-6, and its important role in many medical conditions including DRESS syndrome. We then hear from Japanese dermatologist and DRESS expert, Dr. Hideo Asada, about the long-term complications associated with HHV-6 and DRESS. Interview: Dr. Bhupesh Prusty (Molecular virologist University of Wuerberg, Germany), Dr. Hideo Asada (Professor, Researcher at the Department of Dermatology Nara Medical Universi...