Stevens Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis and SJS-TEN overlap: a retrospective study of causative drugs and clinical outcome

Abstract

Background and aims: Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and SJS-TEN overlap are serious adverse cutaneous drug reactions. Drugs are often implicated in these reactions.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of inpatients' data with these dermatological diagnoses were carried out for three years, to study the causative drugs, clinical outcome, and mortality in these conditions.

Results: Thirty patients (15 TEN, nine SJS-TEN overlap, and six SJS) were admitted. In 21 cases, multiple drugs were implicated whereas single drugs were responsible in nine. Anticonvulsants (35.08%) were the most commonly implicated drugs followed by antibiotics (33.33%) and NSAIDS (24.56%). Twenty-five patients recovered whereas five died (four TEN, one SJS-TEN overlap).

Conclusion: Anticonvulsants, antibiotics and NSAIDs were the most frequently implicated drugs. TEN causes higher mortality than both SJS and SJS-TEN overlap.