Asian ethnicity is listed as a risk factor for allopurinol-induced DRESS.

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Not listed
• D. Unknown

Answer: (A)

Allopurinol-induced DRESS has a strong genetic predisposition component. The HLA-B*58:01 allele is closely linked to this severe drug reaction, and the allele is more common in many Asian populations (notably among Han Chinese and Thai individuals). Because ethnicity can reflect the likelihood of carrying this genetic marker, Asian ethnicity is listed as a risk factor for allopurinol-induced DRESS. This means the baseline risk is higher in these populations, even though the reaction isn’t caused by ethnicity alone. So recognizing this helps explain why the statement is true. The other options don’t fit because the association is supported by genetic data and population frequency, not that it’s unknown or not listed.