Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: An Analysis of Triggers and Implications for Improving Prevention.

Background: Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are severe mucocutaneous adverse drug reactions characterized by extensive epidermal detachment. The mortality rates have been reported to vary between 1% and 5% for Stevens-Johnson syndrome and 25% and 35% for patients with toxic epidermal necrolysis. Studies have shown that early recognition and prompt withdrawal of the causative agent leads to increased patient survival.

Retrospective review of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis treatment comparing intravenous immunoglobulin with cyclosporine.

Background: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are mucocutaneous reactions, typically to medications, that are associated with a high patient mortality. Controversy exists over which systemic treatments decrease mortality associated with SJS/TEN.

Objective: In this study we sought to determine whether intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) or cyclosporine use for SJS/TEN results in better patient outcomes.