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Corticosteroid treatment of erythema multiforme major (Stevens-Johnson syndrome) in children

T Kakourou1, D Klontza, F Soteropoulou

  • 1First Department of Paediatrics, Athens University, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Greece.

European Journal of Pediatrics
|February 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Early corticosteroid treatment for erythema multiforme major (EMM) in children significantly reduces fever duration. This approach also shortens the acute eruption period and lessens prostration, indicating favorable outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Dermatology
  • Clinical Immunology

Background:

  • The efficacy of systemic corticosteroids for erythema multiforme major (EMM) remains debated.
  • EMM is a severe mucocutaneous reaction often requiring effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively evaluate the efficacy of early corticosteroid administration in pediatric EMM.
  • To compare outcomes between children treated with methylprednisolone and those receiving supportive care.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 16 children diagnosed with EMM within 3 days of rash onset.
  • Group A (10 patients) received intravenous methylprednisolone (4 mg/kg/day) bolus infusions.
  • Group B (6 patients) received only supportive treatment.

Main Results:

  • Early corticosteroid use significantly reduced fever duration (4.0 vs 9.5 days, P=0.01).
  • A trend towards a shorter acute eruption period was observed (7.0 vs 9.8 days, P=0.08).
  • Milder signs of prostration were noted in the corticosteroid group with minimal complications in both groups.

Conclusions:

  • Early, short-course corticosteroid therapy favorably influences the clinical course of EMM in children.
  • Methylprednisolone administration appears to be an effective early intervention for pediatric EMM.
Abstract

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