Steven's johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis in children

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to consider clinical features, laboratory findings, treatment alternatives, complications and responsible agents of Steven's Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) in childhood.Materials and Method: The patients who were diagnosed with Steven's Johnson syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) and followed by Department of Dermatology, Division of Pediatric Neurology and Division of Pediatric Allergy of Uludag University Faculty of Medicine, between 2000-2008 were evaluated retrospectively.Results: Records of 14 patients (7 females/7 males) were examined, Nine of the patients had SJS, 2 had SJS-TEN overlap syndrome and the rest 3 had TEN. Nine patients had history of using drugs for epilepsy and the others for anxiety, tooth abscess, cryptic tonsillitis, otitis media and bronchiolitis, Eleven of the patients (78.5%) had multiple drug intake. In 7 patients (50%) Lamotrigine (4 of 7 patients was also taken Valproic acid) and in other patients oxcarbamazepine, azytromicine, phenytoin, imipra mine, cefuroxime axetil, ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone were responsible for SJS and TEN. Twelve 13atients were treated with systemic corticosteroid and 2 vvith intravenous All of the patierits vvere cured.Conclosion: Although drug reactions were seen less frequently ill childreri coniipared to adults,. it nitist be taken.. into ci3risideration that there is the risk i3f developing severe drug reactions like SJS and TEN in children who have been using such drugs for a long time or using multipl drugs for extended periods.