A clinical study of severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions and role of corticosteroids in their management

Abstract

Background: Various medications are used for the treatment of various diseases. Ironically, adverse drug reactions (ADRs) also accompany the use of these medications and are as old as the medicine itself. These drug reactions can range from mild transient erythema at one end of the spectrum to severe cutaneous ADRs (SCADRS) that include Steven–Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms complex (DRESS). Aim: This study aims to study the clinical and epidemiological aspects of severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCADRS) at a referral center of Jammu region, with special reference to the role of corticosteroids in the management. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out between July 2015 and December 2015, at a tertiary hospital after permission from Ethical Committee of the institution. A total of 44 patients were included in the study which included outpatients as well as inpatients admitted after written informed consent. The Naranjo ADR probability scale was applied to indicate the causality of the drug with the SCADRS. Results: In the study, a total of 44 patients were included in the study. Males outnumbered the females, and maximum patients were in the age group of 21–40 years. SJS was the most common SCARD found followed by DRESS. Antiepileptic class of drug was found to be most commonly implicated. Immediate withdrawal of the culprit drug and administration of systemic steroids reverted the SCARD in maximum patients. Conclusion: Severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions can be associated with serious morbidity as well as mortality. Their knowledge and prompt recognition are essential for clinicians as early recognition, and immediate withdrawal of the culprit drug/drugs with adequate management can be lifesaving.