Erythema multiforme: a review of twenty cases

The clinical histories of twenty children hospitalized for erythema multiforme (EM) were reviewed. Three forms of the illness were defined according to clinical criteria: minor (EMm), intermediate (EMt) and major (EMM). Previous infections were associated with the process in 30% of the cases, administration of drugs also in 30%, and a combination of the two factors in 30% of the subjects. No specific etiology was found in two cases (10%). Respiratory tract symptoms and general discomfort preceded the EMM form, and evidence of digestive organ involvement was frequent in the EMm form. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was usually high. Postinflammatory sequelae occurred in only two cases, and one subject died in the first 24 hours.