Elizabeth Mohr, a woman from Narrandera, NSW, was hospitalized after experiencing a severe reaction to an antibiotic she was taking for a dental infection. The reaction, which began on December 1, led to widespread pain and a rash that worsened over several days.
Mohr sought medical attention multiple times at Narrandera Hospital but was initially sent home with antihistamines and steroids. Her condition continued to decline, leading to her transfer to Wagga Base Hospital and subsequent airlift to Sydney.
In Sydney, specialists identified that the reaction was causing her body to overheat internally. She received treatment as a burns patient in intensive care for several days before being discharged prior to Christmas.
Professor Deshan Sebaratnam, a dermatologist at The Skin Hospital, commented on severe drug reactions. He stated that while antibiotics commonly cause mild rashes, they can also trigger life-threatening conditions such as DRESS (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) and TEN (toxic epidermal necrolysis). These conditions involve the immune system attacking the skin and internal organs.
Sebaratnam noted that distinguishing between mild and severe drug reactions in their early stages can be challenging for medical professionals due to similar initial symptoms. He also highlighted issues with dermatology education and funding in Australian medical schools and hospitals, particularly impacting patients in rural areas who lack access to specialist diagnosis and treatment.
He mentioned that the prevalence of severe drug reactions varies by ethnicity, with individuals of East Asian heritage having a higher risk, though the condition can affect anyone. Approximately a few dozen cases of TEN occur in Australia annually.
Sebaratnam advised individuals who develop a rash after starting a new medication to seek medical advice, especially if symptoms include pain, facial swelling, blisters, pus, involvement of eyes, mouth, or genitals, bruise-like appearance of the rash, or a general feeling of unwellness.