Drug-induced eosinophilia

• Published in: Allergy and asthma proceedings Vol. 39; no. 3; p. 252
• Main Authors: Rauscher, Christine, Freeman, Allison
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-05-2018
• Subjects: Adult; Allergens - immunology; Aspirin - immunology; Asymptomatic Diseases; Cardiomyopathies - diagnosis; Cardiomyopathies - drug therapy; Cardiomyopathies - immunology; Drug Hypersensitivity - diagnosis; Drug Hypersensitivity - drug therapy; Drug Hypersensitivity - immunology; Eosinophilia - diagnosis; Eosinophilia - drug therapy; Eosinophilia - immunology; Eosinophils - immunology; Humans; Leukocyte Count; Male; Prednisone - therapeutic use
• ISSN: 1539-6304
• DOI: 10.2500/aap.2018.39.4120

Drug reactions have been associated with increased blood eosinophil levels.
To review clinical characteristics, the diagnosis, and the management of drug-induced eosinophilia.
Pertinent articles were selected and reviewed in relation to a case presentation of drug-induced eosinophilia.
A case of asymptomatic eosinophilia in the setting of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) use was presented, followed by discussion of the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and management of drug-induced eosinophilia. Clinical pearls and pitfalls were reviewed for the practicing allergist, clinical immunologist, and fellow-in-training.
Drug-induced eosinophilia is a diagnosis of exclusion. Although most cases of drug-induced eosinophilia are asymptomatic, one study showed an increased rate of hypersensitivity reactions in patients with higher eosinophil counts and earlier onset of eosinophilia.