DRUG ERUPTION TO PREDNISOLONE - INTEREST OF CUTANEOUS TESTS IN THE RESEARCH OF CROSS-SENSITIVITY

Introduction. Allergic reactions to general corticosteroid therapy are uncommon. Case report. We report a patient with systemic lupus erythe matousus who developed skin rash after initiation of prednisone then p rednisolone therapy. Histology evidence suggested leukocytoclastic vas culitis. The skin tests (prick tests, intradermoreactions and patch-te sts) using a battery of injectable corticosteroids showed a highly pos itive reaction to prednisolone, methylprednisolone and dexamethasone o n the intradermo-reactions 24 hours later. Histology examination of a positive response showed leukocytoclastic vasculitis associated with e czematiform alterations of the epidermis compatible with a drug reacti on. The skin tests however were negative for betamethasone, triamcinol one, paramethasone and hydrocorticose. The patient was treated with be tamethasone and no skin reaction was observed. Discussion. Skin tests, particularly intradermo-reactions read 24 hours later would appear to be useful in identifying possible cross-sensitivity.