Stevens-johnson syndrome: a case report

The Stevens-Johnson syndrome has the appearance of a partial-thickness burn that may lead to a 100% loss of epidermis, requiring the same resuscitation as a severe burn. A 38-yr-old male patient was admitted to the neurosurgery department of the Evangelismos General Hospital in Athens, where immediately after administration of an antiepileptic drug he developed sloughing of total epidermis, high fever, and the clinical picture of a severe burn patient. He was treated as a burn patient with massive cutaneous injuries and the concomitant systemic effects. Fluid resuscitation was important and the Parkland formula was used, as in a burn patient. Steroid medications were initially administered. Systemic antibiotics were discontinued after signs of sepsis and documented infection had been overcome. Improved treatment techniques and critical burn care have decreased mortality and morbidity in cases of the Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Prompt recognition of the disease and cure of the patient by the appropriate staff of the burns centre contribute to the successful treatment of such patients.