A 65-year-old man on ICU is receiving IV vancomycin for MRSA bacteraemia. He develops acute onset of flushing, pruritus, and hypotension during the in...

Question

A 65-year-old man on ICU is receiving IV vancomycin for MRSA bacteraemia. He develops acute onset of flushing, pruritus, and hypotension during the infusion. His skin shows a diffuse erythematous rash affecting the face, neck, and upper torso. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Red man syndrome - a histamine-mediated, rate-related infusion reaction

Answer

IgE-mediated anaphylaxis to vancomycin

Answer

Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Answer

Serum sickness

Answer

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)

uk-fficm MCQ (SBA): Red Man Syndrome

A 65-year-old man on ICU is receiving IV vancomycin for MRSA bacteraemia. He develops acute onset of flushing, pruritus, and hypotension during the infusion. His skin shows a diffuse erythematous rash affecting the face, neck, and upper torso. What is the most likely cause?