A case of Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Abstract

Background: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is an acute self-limited disease. The incidence of this disease is low, but there is a significant impact on child as well as parents because of its extensive involvement of the body. This paper reports a case of SJS in an eight year old male child along with the clinical features and treatment options. Case Presentation: A male child of 8 years was referred with the chief complaint of ulcers in the mouth since 3 days. Past medical history revealed severe drug reaction one month back, for which the patient attended a pediatric hospital elsewhere, where it was diagnosed as Steven-Johnson Syndrome and the treatment was given for the same. After one month of treatment, the child was referred to our department because of the persisting oral ulcers. On extra oral examination, skin lesions were healed whereas intra-oral examination revealed multiple painful ulcers on upper and lower labial mucosa, with accompanying painful cervical lymphadenopathy. The treatment consisted of topical application of hexigel and multivitamin supplements were prescribed. On follow up after 15 days, examination showed healed ulcers. The patient fully recovered within a month. Conclusion: Symptomatic management of the oral lesions is necessary in order to enable the patient to have oral feeds to maintain nutritional balance.