Phenytoin induced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome-toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Overlap Exacerbated by Cephalexin in a 65-Year-old Neurosurgical Patient: A Rare Case Report.

Abstract

To report a rare case of drug induced overlap of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrosis Syndrome exacerbated by cephalexin. In this case report, we present a 65-year-old female who had come to the hospital with complaints of Sloughing of the skin and redness all over the body with raised body temperature. She was on therapeutic Phenytoin to prevent the post-surgical complications of Communicating Hydrocephalus. After a detailed examination, it was found that the patient had misemployed with an overdose of Phenytoin. The patient was found with nikolsky sign and diagnosed as Stevens- Johnson syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrosis overlap. This case report emphasizes phenytoin induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrosis syndrome exacerbated by cephalexin. By witnessing this phenomenon, we could figure out the association between cephalexin and Stevens-Johnson syndrome- Toxic Epidermal Necrosis syndrome overlap. The Immediate dismissal of the offending agent and commencement of supportive care was found to be effective.