A Rare But Serious Entity: Corticosteroid Allergy

Abstract

Introduction: Systemic steroids are usually used in pulmonary medicine practise and are potential drugs in asthma less in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD besides potential of allergy. Case Presentation: We reported a sixty five years old man who had COPD for five years. The patient was hospitalised for COPD exacerbation and was treated with antibiotherapy plus bronchodilatory drugs. On the follow up when his symtoms did not decrease methyprednisolone was started. Ten minutes after the administration swelling, itchy and papuler skin lesions were observed all over the body particularly on the forearms. The patient was hospitalised a few times in the same clinic and was treated with methyprednisolone several times before but he had not experienced such a situation. Urticeria is charecterised with browned, swelling, itchy, edematous and papular lesions which tend to diseppear within 1-2 hours. Conclusion: Corticosteroids seem to be rare causes of immediate hypersensitivity reactions which can be misdiagnosed. Physicians should be carefull and identify safe alternative preparations if needed.