Stevens-Johnson Syndrome...

Before this, i have heard about this syndrome, usually as a rare side effect of some drugs like sulfonamide antibiotics, barbiturates etc... But i was too lazy to look up on the topic...

However, one morning, one of the slots in morning talk show on TV3 was on allergies and the invited dermatologist discussed quite deep on this syndrome... the were many facts, but i did not remember them all... i remembered that this syndrome is fatal and the picture of lesions in the mouth and lips...

Since i am less lazy tonight, i would like to post a summary of what this syndrome really is...

Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) is life-threatening condition affecting the skin in which cell death causes the epidermis to separate from the dermis. The syndrome is thought to be a hypersensitivity complex affecting the skin and the mucous membranes. Although the majority of cases are idiopathic, the main class of known causes is medications, followed by infections and (rarely) cancers.

Typical symptoms for both diseases include fever, body aches, a flat red rash, blisters that break out on the mucous membranes, and small areas of peeling skin (Stevens-Johnson syndrome) or large areas of peeling skin (toxic epidermal necrolysis).

as future pharmacist, the treatment should be the focus in this article right?
so... The treatment is.......

People with Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis are hospitalized. Any drugs suspected of causing the disorder are immediately discontinued. When possible, people are treated in a burn unit and given scrupulous care to avoid infection. If the person survives, the skin grows back on its own, and unlike burns, skin grafts are not needed. Fluids and salts, which are lost through the damaged skin, are replaced intravenously.

Use of corticosteroids to treat the disorder is controversial. Some doctors believe that giving large doses within the first few days is beneficial, whereas others believe that corticosteroids should not be used. These drugs suppress the immune system, which increases the potential for serious infection. If infection develops, doctors give antibiotics immediately.

In many cases, doctors give intravenous human immunoglobulin (IVIg) to treat toxic epidermal necrolysis. This substance helps to prevent further immune damage to the skin and further progression of blistering.

TQ to wikipedia and merck...