[Ocular aspects of toxic epidermal necrolysis]

Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are rare but very serious hypersensitivity reactions that cause skin and mucosal disorders, mainly caused by drugs or infectious agents. While this pathology is a potentially life-threatening condition, the ocular consequences should not be overlooked, which may effect the long-term quality of life of the individual. The aim of this case report is to raise awareness of the ophthalmological complications of these conditions and the importance of starting treatment as soon as possible. In the acute phase, 50% of patients present with ocular involvement, during which time the focus may be lost from ophthalmic intervention due to high mortality. In the following, we report the case of a 17-year-old patient in whom the use of lamotrigine induced toxic epidermal necrolysis. The first 4 weeks (54 days in total) were extremely critical. The full-body epidermolysis was associated with systemic complications such as hypothermia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, septicemia, acute tubular necrosis, anemia and severe electrolyte imbalances, which were successfully treated. The ophthalmological symptoms of the disease were well under control from the beginning and were treated intensively and regularly. After two years, there were no significant complications in the anterior segment of the eye, and the visual acuity was fully preserved. Orv Hetil. 2024; 165(31): 1206–1212.