DRESS Smarter: Bridging the Gap in Severe Drug Reactions

2023 logo for National D.R.E.S.S. Syndrome Day (July 16). Multicolored image with people in the background and one prominent center figure. DRESS/smarter wording for this year's theme

By continuing and sharing research efforts that could help identify genetic and drug risk factors, patients can receive quicker diagnosis and more targeted treatments. This will be lifesaving.

RICHMOND, Va. (Business Press Room) July 12, 2023 -- Around the world, millions of people suffer from severe adverse drug reactions, many of which do not get proper funding or research. For patients with DRESS Syndrome, the experience can be isolating. However, a nonprofit behind National DRESS Syndrome Day is providing a platform for building awareness of this debilitating life threatening condition. On July 16, 2023, the DRESS Syndrome Foundation will encourage patients and medical communities to unite over this year’s theme: “DRESS/smarter.” By recognizing positive advancements in DRESS Syndrome, the holiday gives a voice to this uncommon but life-threatening reaction, and supports research efforts that bridge the gap worldwide.

“There is still so much we don’t understand about this severe and potentially fatal drug reaction,” explains Tasha Tolliver, Executive Director and Co-Founder of DRESS Syndrome Foundation. “By continuing and sharing research efforts that could help identify genetic and drug risk factors, patients can receive quicker diagnosis and more targeted treatments. This will be lifesaving.”

In previous years, under-represented DRESS Syndrome research has perpetuated challenges in diagnosing and treating patients. However, the tides are shifting. With this year’s holiday, we’re recognizing how far DRESS research has come, nationally and globally. Dr. Abraham Korman, a dermatologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, notes changes in “presentation, diagnostics, and management.” DRESS is especially complex due to the differing times between when a patient starts a prescription drug and when they develop DRESS.

“We have recognized that several classes of medicines cause DRESS syndrome more quickly than previously thought — so there's not always a long latency of 2 – 8 weeks.” ~ Dr. Korman

Prompt diagnosis of DRESS syndrome is vital to prevent life-threatening complications like organ failure. Detecting the condition within 24 hours improves recovery chances. Knowledge of medications with faster reaction times aids quicker diagnosis and treatment, potentially saving lives. Additionally, Dr. Korman's team identified a unique "earlobe crease sign" that distinguishes DRESS from other severe adverse drug reactions, facilitating faster and more accurate diagnosis. They have also introduced the “REDRESS score,” a tool to assess the risk of DRESS recurrence. This helps patients anticipate risks and plan ahead, which is a significant advancement.

"We founded the DRESS Syndrome Foundation to fill a much-needed gap in patient advocacy, a gap that today would have saved our daughters lives,” says Nancy Szakacsy, Co-Founder of DRESS Syndrome Foundation. “On National DRESS Syndrome Day, we recognize that it is in fact both our National and Global efforts making the biggest strides in research, education, treatment, and patient care. It's truly inspiring; we are all a little DRESS Smarter.”

These changes offer real hope for the DRESS Syndrome community. With everyone coming together, sharing their research and experiences with DRESS, we’re becoming more effective at diagnosing, treating, and overcoming DRESS Syndrome. This year, the DRESS Syndrome Foundation encourages patient and medical communities to recognize how being DRESS/smarter can positively change the lives of those with DRESS Syndrome.

To learn more, visit NationalDRESSsyndromeDay.

What is DRESS?

Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms

• A severe, adverse, hypersensitivity, delayed (2–8 weeks) drug reaction that can occur from taking one of over 50 prescription drugs like antibiotics and anticonvulsants.
• 5 prescription drugs account for over 50% of cases: Allopurinol, Carbamazipine, Lamotrigine, Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim (Bactrim) and Vancomycin.
• One in every 1,000 to 10,000 prescription drug exposures will result in DRESS.
• 10% of people with DRESS will die.
• DRESS usually begins with rash, fever, lymphadenopathy, and facial swelling; and leads to blood abnormalities and organ injury, typically of the liver, kidneys, lungs and heart. It can result in long-term autoimmune complications.
• Some people are genetically predisposed to get DRESS from certain drugs, yet it’s difficult to predict who’s at risk.

The D.R.E.S.S Syndrome Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Richmond, Virginia. They are a collaborative network of patients, families, researchers and physicians dedicated to educating about severe adverse drug reactions, while advocating for the education and advancement of research, treatments and prevention. They serve patients and their loved ones worldwide. Learn more at DRESSsyndromefoundation.org.

Deanna Lorianni, DRESS Syndrome Foundation, http://www.dresssyndromefoundation.org, 1 8043076703,