Clinical aspects of Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: Literature Review

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.15941032406122

• Palavras-chave: Dermatology; Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome; Stevens-Johnson Syndrome; Common Tegument.

• Keywords: Dermatology; Drug Hypersensitivity Syndrome; Stevens-Johnson Syndrome; Common Tegument.

• Abstract:

  INTRODUCTION: Pharmacodermias are emergency drug reactions that can occur due to the use of any medication, since the WHO (World Health Organization) defines such reactions as unintentional damage caused by the use of drugs in usual therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic doses. Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are spectra of the same clinical entity. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to list the clinical characteristics of SJS and TEN, differentiating both pharmacodermias, and to analyze their possible therapeutic approaches. METHODOLOGY: The methodology chosen was a literature review, in the form of a systematic review, based on the study of references already analyzed and ratified by written and electronic means. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Drug reactions can have immunological or non-immunological mechanisms, with the type IV hypersensitivity reaction being the reaction related to SSJ and NET. The distinction between the two conditions is clinical, with epidermal detachment in SJS being less than 10%, and the main causative medications being anticonvulsants, NSAIDs and sulfa drugs, generating multiple cutaneous-mucosal involvement. NET, on the other hand, has a detachment of more than 30% and is a severe bullous condition with the appearance of large burns. The treatment of these conditions should be carried out in Intensive Care Units, and the SCORTEN, a prognostic score, can be applied. CONCLUSION: However, when prescribing medication, medical professionals should always bear in mind the possible adverse drug reactions that may occur.