Abstract
Cutaneous drug reactions are the most common type of adverse drug reaction. These reactions, ranging from simple pruritic eruptions to potentially life-threatening events, are a significant cause of iatrogenic morbidity and mortality. Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a serious and potentially life-threatening cutaneous drug reaction. Although progress has been made in the management of SJS through early detection, prompt hospitalization, and immediate cessation of offending agents, the prevalence of permanent disabilities associated with SJS remains unchanged. Nevertheless, despite being a problem that is global in scope, government and health care agencies worldwide have yet to find a consensus on either diagnostic criteria or therapy for this disorder. Here, we provide the internist and emergency room physician with a brief review the SJS literature and summarize the latest recommended interventions with the hope of improving early recognition of this disease and prevention of permanent sequelae and mortality that frequently complicate SJS.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 129-138 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Annals of Medicine |
Volume | 40 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 14 2008 |
Keywords
- Adverse drug reaction
- Dermatological emergencies
- Drug hypersensitivity
- Erythema multiforme
- HLA B1501/HLA B1502
- Intravenous immunoglobulins
- Keratinocyte apoptosis
- Mucocutaneous lesions
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine(all)