PROGNOSIS AND LONG-TERM COMPLICATIONS

 

With prompt diagnosis and proper treatment, most DRESS patients will recover from the initial episode and some will go on to experience long-term autoimmune complications. These conditions include type 1 diabetes mellitus, autoimmune thyroid disease, systemic lupus erythematous and recurring skin eruptions. These autoimmune diseases may occur months to years after the initial episode of DRESS.

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In severe cases, multi-organ failure may occur. Fulminant liver failure is the most common cause of death, but heart, lung and kidney failure may also be seen. DRESS has a 10% mortality rate.