Analysis of Judicial Precedents on Drug Eruption in South Korea

Yoon Jin Choi, Kyeng Wook Kim, Ji Yeon Byun, You Won Choi, Joo Young Roh, Hae Young Choi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Both medicolegal disputes and the incidence of cutaneous drug eruptions are increasing in Korea. We were unable to find research that surveyed the legal disputes involving drug eruption cases.Objective: This study investigates medical litigation associated with drug eruption cases in Korea.Methods: Judicial precedents on drug eruption cases were searched using the Supreme Court of Soum Korea's Written Judgement Management System. General characteristics, results, suspected agents, and recognized negligence were analyzed.Results: From the search results, 50 cases were selected. Of these, 34 cases had severe cutaneous adverse reactions,including Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (n=25, 50.0%), and drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome (n=9, 18.0%). Antimicrobial agents (n=17, 34.0%), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (n=6, 12.0%), and anticonvulsants (n=6, 12.0%) were the most common drugs implicated. Death was reported in 15 patients (30.0%). In this sample, 22 cases (47.0%) were awarded to the plaintiff, and violation of the duty to inform patients of risks was the most common legal issue cited.Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware of and advise patients of the potential for severe adverse reactions that can lead to negative outcomes and medicolegal disputes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)162-169
Number of pages8
JournalKorean Journal of Dermatology
Volume61
Issue number3
StatePublished - Mar 2023

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 Korean Dermatological Association. All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • Adverse drug reaction
  • Drug eruptions
  • Jurisprudence
  • Malpractice

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