Stevens Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis and SJS-TEN overlap: A retrospective study of causative drugs and clinical outcome

Abstract

Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and SJS-TEN overlap are serious adverse cutaneous drug reactions. Drugs are often implicated in these reactions. A retrospective analysis of inpatients' data with these dermatological diagnoses were carried out for three years, to study the causative drugs, clinical outcome, and mortality in these conditions. Thirty patients (15 TEN, nine SJS-TEN overlap, and six SJS) were admitted. In 21 cases, multiple drugs were implicated whereas single drugs were responsible in nine. Anticonvulsants (35.08%) were the most commonly implicated drugs followed by antibiotics (33.33%) and NSAIDS (24.56%). Twenty-five patients recovered whereas five died (four TEN, one SJS-TEN overlap). Anticonvulsants, antibiotics and NSAIDs were the most frequently implicated drugs. TEN causes higher mortality than both SJS and SJS-TEN overlap.