What is DRESS syndrome and how common is it?

DRESS syndrome is a severe drug-induced reaction affecting organs, with an estimated incidence of one in 1,000 to 10,000 people.

How did Christine Sentz get DRESS syndrome?

Christine Sentz developed DRESS syndrome as a reaction to the medication Sulfasalazine, prescribed for joint pain.

Is DRESS syndrome treatable?

Treatment involves immediate discontinuation of the causative drug and intensive care, often including steroids and immunosuppressants.

Home / Health / Near-Death Drug Reaction: A Woman's Fight for Life

Near-Death Drug Reaction: A Woman's Fight for Life

2 Dec, 2025

•

Summary

A common drug caused a severe, life-threatening reaction.
Sentz's kidneys and liver began failing due to the condition.
Doctors were unaware of the rare DRESS syndrome's specifics.

Near-Death Drug Reaction: A Woman's Fight for Life

Christine Sentz's life took a perilous turn after being prescribed Sulfasalazine for joint pain. What began as a common treatment quickly escalated into a life-threatening DRESS syndrome reaction. Her body developed severe rashes, and her kidneys and liver began to fail, pushing her to the brink of death.

The rare condition, characterized by systemic symptoms and organ inflammation, left doctors stunned. Sentz's case underscores the insufficient understanding and research surrounding DRESS syndrome, with medical staff admitting to needing to research her condition during her hospitalization.

After a harrowing recovery, Sentz now advocates for greater awareness of DRESS syndrome. Her experience, marked by intense pain and a near-fatal ordeal, serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and severe reactions that can arise from medication.

This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.