Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: a report of six cases

Ahu Kara1, İlker Devrim1, İlknur Çağlar1

  • 1Departments of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Dr. Behçet Uz Children's Hospital, İzmir, Turkey.

Insights

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are severe drug reactions. Early ophthalmological evaluation is crucial for managing potential long-term ocular complications in SJS/TEN patients.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCARs).
  • These conditions carry significant morbidity and mortality risks.
  • Triggers include medications and infections like Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Observation:

  • This report details six cases of SJS or TEN with varied clinical presentations.
  • Patients received Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) and intensive supportive care for skin and mucosal lesions.
  • The median hospital stay was 13.5 days.

Findings:

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection was identified as a potential trigger in some patients.
  • Ocular involvement was the most common long-term complication observed.
  • One patient developed corneal epithelial defects, highlighting the risk of eye complications.

Implications:

  • Ophthalmological assessment is essential at diagnosis and before hospital discharge for SJS/TEN patients.
  • Prompt eye evaluations can aid in early detection and management of ocular sequelae.
  • This underscores the multidisciplinary approach required for managing SCARs.

Related Concept Videos

Toxic Reactions: Overview01:26

Toxic Reactions: Overview

When toxic substances penetrate the human body, they disseminate to various tissues, undergoing metabolic changes. This process yields reactive metabolites that may covalently bind with specific target molecules, resulting in toxicity.
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
1.7K
Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells01:19

Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells

Epidermal stem cells (EpiSCs) are mainly located at the basal layer of the epidermis. These cells repair minor injuries of the skin and replace dead skin cells. However, EpiSCs’ cannot heal severe wounds such as major burns or those from diabetes or hereditary disorders. In such cases, culturing the epidermal stem cells from the patient is possible and has yielded successful treatment options, such as laboratory-grown skin grafts. These grafts are synthesized using a patient’s own...
3.1K
Burn Injuries01:22

Burn Injuries

Burn injuries occur when the skin and underlying tissues are damaged due to exposure to heat, electricity, chemicals, radiation, or friction. They can vary in severity, from minor superficial burns to severe deep burns that can be life-threatening.
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
4.0K
Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
5.1K