Drug reactions: HLA association with carbamazepine: practice question

A Dermatology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dermatology · Drug reactions: HLA association with carbamazepine

Sample item

Before starting carbamazepine in an Asian patient, which HLA allele is screened for to reduce the risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. HLA-B*15:02

HLA-B*15:02 is strongly associated with carbamazepine-induced SJS/TEN in Han Chinese and Southeast Asian populations. Screening is recommended in at-risk ethnic groups.

Option by option

  • A. HLA-DR4

    HLA-DR4 is linked to rheumatoid arthritis.

  • B. HLA-B*58:01

    HLA-B*58:01 predicts allopurinol hypersensitivity.

  • C. HLA-B*57:01

    HLA-B*57:01 predicts abacavir hypersensitivity.

  • D. HLA-B*15:02 (correct)

    Correct. HLA-B*15:02 predicts carbamazepine SJS/TEN.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is D, HLA-B*15:02. HLA-B*15:02 is strongly associated with carbamazepine-induced SJS/TEN in Han Chinese and Southeast Asian populations.

Why is "HLA-DR4" not the answer?

HLA-DR4 is linked to rheumatoid arthritis.

Why is "HLA-B*58:01" not the answer?

HLA-B*58:01 predicts allopurinol hypersensitivity.

Why is "HLA-B*57:01" not the answer?

HLA-B*57:01 predicts abacavir hypersensitivity.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Drug reactions: HLA association with carbamazepine in Dermatology. Screening is recommended in at-risk ethnic groups.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Drug reactions: HLA association with carbamazepine?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.