Interferon-γ (INF-γ) release test can detect cutaneous adverse effects to statins

Background: An increasing number of cutaneous adverse effects are being reported as use of statins becomes more widespread. A study was undertaken to establish the relationship between statin and a cutaneous reaction by the . in vitro interferon-γ (INF-γ) release test. Methods: The lymphocytes of 20 patients with suspected drug-induced skin reaction were incubated with and without the drug. The level of INF-γ from the supernatant was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the increase calculated. Results: Response was positive in 27 (21.43%) of the 126 drugs. Statin was the only drug with a positive response in 80% of those cases. Nine of 20 patients (45.0%) had complete resolution after discontinuation of the drug; 6 (30.0%) who replaced one drug by another statin had partial or no resolution; and 5 (20.0%) had no resolution despite cessation of statins of all kinds. Conclusion: A positive INF-γ release test was found in patients who developed skin reactions while taking statins; the test's reliability was strengthened by prompt improvement following elimination of the suspected drug in the majority of patients.