Mar
2014
Vol. 33. No. 1
Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: clinical patterns, diagnostic considerations, etiology, and therapeutic management
Severe cutaneous adverse reactions are associated
with significant morbidity and mortality. They may be
life-threatening for the affected patient and difficult to
treat. Such conditions include toxic epidermal necrolysis
(TEN), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), acute generalized
exanthematous pustulosis and drug reaction with
eosinophilia and systemic symptoms. Due to the fact
that prognosis, etiology and treatment of the various
reactions differ, a clear diagnosis based on the specific
clinical pattern is important. This review will focus on the
clinical presentations, pathogenesis, and important diagnostic
and therapeutic considerations in the management
of SJS and TEN.