Sudden conjunctivitis, lymphopenia, and rash combined with hemodynamic changes
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Synopsis

Sudden conjunctivitis, lymphopenia, and rash combined with hemodynamic changes (SCoRCH) is a hypersensitivity reaction with hemodynamic changes that occurs in response to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) exposure. It is also known as TMP-SMX-induced circulatory shock, and anaphylactic-like, or severe shock-like, reaction to TMP-SMX. Pathogenetically, a T-cell mediated immune response with subsequent rise in interleukin 6 (IL-6) is posited, although the exact mechanism is unknown. This systemic reaction to TMP-SMX was first described in patients with HIV, but more recent cases have been reported in people without HIV infection.
The hallmark mucocutaneous manifestations of SCoRCH include conjunctivitis, generalized erythema, and mild acral and facial edema. The eruption may be pruritic. These findings are accompanied by tachycardia, and hypotension and shock requiring vasopressors may be seen. Fever is commonly associated. Acute kidney injury and transaminitis may be present, and lymphopenia is common. Aseptic meningitis and respiratory failure have been reported as isolated reactions to TMP-SMX as well as in the setting of SCoRCH.
In people with no prior exposure to TMP-SMX, onset occurs 4-11 days after drug exposure, but in those with a history of TMP-SMX exposure, onset can occur within 1 day of re-exposure.
The hallmark mucocutaneous manifestations of SCoRCH include conjunctivitis, generalized erythema, and mild acral and facial edema. The eruption may be pruritic. These findings are accompanied by tachycardia, and hypotension and shock requiring vasopressors may be seen. Fever is commonly associated. Acute kidney injury and transaminitis may be present, and lymphopenia is common. Aseptic meningitis and respiratory failure have been reported as isolated reactions to TMP-SMX as well as in the setting of SCoRCH.
In people with no prior exposure to TMP-SMX, onset occurs 4-11 days after drug exposure, but in those with a history of TMP-SMX exposure, onset can occur within 1 day of re-exposure.
Codes
ICD10CM:
T37.0X5A – Adverse effect of sulfonamides, initial encounter
SNOMEDCT:
876798004 – Adverse reaction to sulfamethoxazole and/or trimethoprim
T37.0X5A – Adverse effect of sulfonamides, initial encounter
SNOMEDCT:
876798004 – Adverse reaction to sulfamethoxazole and/or trimethoprim
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS)
- Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP)
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome / toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS-TEN)
- Erythroderma from other causes
- Viral exanthem
- Erythema multiforme
- Reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruption (RIME)
- Anaphylaxis
- Abacavir hypersensitivity reactions and azathioprine hypersensitivity reactions share many of the features of SCORCH.
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Therapy
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.
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References
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Last Reviewed:06/20/2023
Last Updated:07/30/2023
Last Updated:07/30/2023