Stevens–Johnson Syndrome / TEN

Dermatology

Severe drug-induced mucocutaneous necrosis; SJS <10% BSA, TEN >30% BSA detachment.

Clinical features

  • • Prodromal fever and malaise
  • • Painful erythematous macules progressing to blisters
  • • Positive Nikolsky sign
  • • Mucosal ulceration of eyes, mouth and genitals

Investigations

  • • SCORTEN prognostic score
  • • Skin biopsy (full-thickness epidermal necrosis)
  • • Bloods, cultures, fluid balance

Management

  • • Stop the culprit drug immediately
  • • Transfer to burns/ICU for fluid, temperature and wound care
  • • Ophthalmology, urology and ENT review for mucosal involvement
  • • Consider ciclosporin or IVIG (evidence limited)
  • • Analgesia and nutritional support

Clinical pearls

  • • Common culprits: allopurinol, lamotrigine, carbamazepine, sulfonamides, NSAIDs
  • • Do not use prophylactic antibiotics

Educational — verify locally.

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