Drug eruption following high-calorie infusion: a possible systemic type IV allergic reaction to sulphites.

© 2015 The Authors. doi: 10.2340/00015555Journal Compilation © 2015 Acta Dermato-Venereologica. ISSN 0001-5555 Sulphites, such as sodium bisulphite and sodium metabisulphite, are widely used as antioxidants or preservatives in a wide range of substances, such as food, cosmetics and medications (1). It has been reported that sulphite intake can cause systemic type I allergic reactions, such as urticaria (2) and anaphylaxis (3, 4). In addition, external application of sulphites can cause local type IV allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis (1, 5). However, it is not known whether sulphite intake can cause systemic type IV allergic reactions. We describe here a case of drug eruption, thought to be a systemic type IV allergic reaction to sulphites, following a high-calorie infusion.