Drug Induced Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS)

Author: Pinky Sharma, Shallu Yadav, Ranjeet Kumar

Abstract:
Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS), or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare cutaneous, severe condition, characterized by high fever, blisters on skin, facial swelling, and hyper pigmentation. This is a life-threatening drug induced hypersensitivity reaction marked by widespread inflammation of the epidermis ending in necrosis and eventual sloughing of the tissue.It is an acute, self-limited disease, presenting as severe mucosal erosions with widespread erythematous, cutaneous macules or atypical targets. Majority of the SJS cases are drug-induced despite its varied etiology.A 6 year old male child who reported us with chief complaints of skin rashes over the body with burning eyes and difficulty in swallowing associated with pain.The rashes appeared after consumption of tablet Paracetamol+Diclofenac and Cefixime orally by consulting a local clinic.This case reports that concerned drugs may cause severe hypersensitivity reaction which can even be hemorrhagic in nature. This can lead to fatal condition. For this reason a physician should be very careful while prescribing and should provide a drug reaction card mentioning the suspected drugs in the patient which the patient should carry with them for further follow up. The main loophole can be fulfilled by appointing a clinical pharmacist to intervene such issues in the near future and educate the mass regarding the adverse effects of the respective drugs prescribed to increase awareness and medication adherence.


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