Analysis of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis in Japan from 2000 to 2006

Abstract

Background: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are severe adverse drug reactions with high mortality.

Methods: To present the current clinical characteristics and treatment of SJS and TEN in Japan, we retrospectively analyzed reports of SJS and TEN published in medical journals from 2000 to 2006.

Results: Fifty-two cases of SJS (19 males and 33 females; mean age, 45.2 years) and 65 cases of TEN (31 males and 34 females; mean age, 45.7 years) were reported. Thirty-six cases of SJS (69.2%) and all cases of TEN were caused by drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, and anticonvulsant drugs. Hepatitis was the most common organ involvement in both SJS and TEN. Renal dysfunction and respiratory disorders were also involved in some cases. The major complication was sepsis, but in only 1.9% of SJS and 10.8% of TEN. Most cases were treated systemically with corticosteroids, and 42 cases (80.8%) of SJS and 39 cases (60.0%) of TEN were treated with corticosteroids alone. Plasmapheresis and/or immunoglobulin therapy was combined with corticosteroid therapy in some cases. The mortality rates for patients with SJS and TEN were 1.9% and 6.2%, respectively. The mortality in TEN decreased remarkably from 21.6% (58/269) during the previous 17 years (1981 to 1997).

Conclusions: Improvement of treatment may be one of the reasons for the decrease in mortalities of both SJS and TEN.