Diagnosis and management of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis

A severe case of reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruption associated with two possible triggers: Coronavirus and group A streptococcus

Reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruption (RIME) is a newly defined condition characterized by mucocutaneous blistering secondary to upper respiratory infections and encompasses Mycoplasma pneumoniae-induced rash and mucositis, broadening the disease spectrum to include various infectious etiologies. We present a severe RIME case involving a 5-year-old female with concurrent coronavirus NL63 and group A streptococcus infections. Diagnosis complexity stemmed from overlapping clinical features with other severe mucocutaneous eruptions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis/drug-induced necrolysis. This case underscores the need for comprehensive infectious workup and emphasizes the clinical diagnostic spectrum of drug-induced and infection-induced desquamative skin and mucosal disease.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis caused by phenobarbital: a case report and literature review

Background

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) are rare, life-threatening immunologic reactions. Previous relevant literature has provided limited information regarding this disease's genetic susceptibility and management principles.

Objectives

This study aimed to describe a phenobarbital-induced TEN case report with HLA-B*15:02 and HLA-B*58:01 negative, CYP2C19*1/*2. In addition, we revised the existing literature on phenobarbital-induced SJS/TEN to explore its clinical characteristics.

Methods

We describe a woman undergoing treatment with Phenobarbital for status epilepticus who developed classic cutaneous findings of TEN. A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, Medline, WanFang, and CNKI databases from 1995 to 2023. The search terms used were "Stevens-Johnson Syndrome," "Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis," and "Phenobarbital."

Results

We report a case of TEN resulting from phenobarbital; it tested negative for the HLA-B*15:02 and HLA-B*58:01 allele and CYP2C19*1/*2 intermediate metabolism. Supportive treatment with steroids and antihistamines resulted in complete resolution of the skin lesions and improvement in clinical symptoms after 14 days. Physicians and clinical pharmacists should be aware of these potential phenobarbital-related adverse events and closely monitor patients with first-time use of phenobarbital. Among 19 cases were identified in the literature, with 11 (57.9%) cases of SJS, 6 (31.6%) cases of TEN, and 2 (7.2%) cases of SJS-TEN/DRESS overlap. A total of 5 (26.3%) did not survive, of which 4 (21.1%) were under 12 years old and 1 (5.3%) was over 12 years old.

Conclusion

Phenobarbital-induced SJS/TEN may still occur in patients who test negative for HLA-B*15:02 and HLA-B*58:01, CYP2C19*1/*2. Most cutaneous adverse events occur early in the course of Phenobarbital therapy and should be closely monitored early in the course of treatment. In addition, Phenobarbital should be used with caution in patients with a history of asthma and allergy to antipyretics and analgesics.

High risk and low prevalence diseases: Stevens Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis

INTRODUCTION

Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are serious conditions that carry a high rate of morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

This review highlights the pearls and pitfalls of SJS/TEN, including presentation, diagnosis, and management in the emergency department (ED) based on current evidence.

DISCUSSION

SJS/TEN is a rare, delayed hypersensitivity reaction resulting in de-epithelialization of the skin and mucous membranes. The majority of cases are associated with medication or infection. Clinicians should consider SJS/TEN in any patient presenting with a blistering mucocutaneous eruption. Evaluation of the skin, mucosal, pulmonary, renal, genital, and ocular systems are essential in the diagnosis of SJS/TEN, as well as in the identification of complications (e.g., sepsis). Laboratory and radiological testing cannot confirm the diagnosis in the ED setting, but they may assist in the identification of complications. ED management includes stabilization of airway and breathing, fluid resuscitation, and treatment of any superimposed infections with broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy. All patients with suspected SJS/TEN should be transferred and admitted to a center with burn surgery, critical care, dermatology, and broad specialist availability.

CONCLUSIONS

An understanding of SJS/TEN can assist emergency clinicians in diagnosing and managing this potentially deadly disease.

Allopurinol: Clinical Considerations in the Development and Treatment of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, and Other Associated Drug Reactions

Allopurinol lowers urate production through the inhibition of xanthine oxidase. It is oxidatively hydroxylated to oxypurinol and is the most prescribed medication for gout treatment. Although it has a beneficial effect in the treatment of this common disease, like many medications, it is also known for having numerous adverse effects. Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), diseases that exist on a spectrum, are two of the most dangerous adverse effects associated with allopurinol use. These immune-mediated disease processes involve almost every organ system. They are essential to recognize as early as possible, as they could potentially be deadly, requiring cessation of the medication with initial signs of rash or other early manifestations of SJS/TEN. One major consideration in the increased risk of allopurinol-mediated or modulated SJS/TEN is the need to have a lower dose in the setting of renal disease. The purpose of this review is not only to examine the involvement of allopurinol in SJS/TEN but also to provide detailed information about the drug, allopurinol, and general features and characteristics of SJS/TEN and other associated drug reactions.

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Secondary to Iodine Versus Methimazole in a Pediatric Patient With Complex Autoimmune Disease

We report a case of a 17-year-old girl who developed toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) secondary to preoperative iodine administration before thyroidectomy for Graves' disease. Past medical history was significant for COVID-19 and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in Children (MISC-C), with subsequent diagnoses of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), Addison disease, and Graves' disease. Her Graves disease was initially managed with methimazole. While there are reported cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and TEN due to methimazole, the patient had discontinued methimazole over one month prior. Therefore, she likely represents the first case of TEN reported secondary to potassium iodide solution in a pediatric patient. Given the rarity of TEN in pediatric patients, our case highlights the challenges in managing complex autoimmune conditions and underscores the importance of careful medication choices in such cases.

Immunological Mechanisms in Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are an inherent aspect of drug use. While approximately 80% of ADRs are predictable, immune system-mediated ADRs, often unpredictable, are a noteworthy subset. Skin-related ADRs, in particular, are frequently unpredictable. However, the wide spectrum of skin manifestations poses a formidable diagnostic challenge. Comprehending the pathomechanisms underlying ADRs is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management. The skin, being an active immune organ, plays a pivotal role in ADRs, although the precise cutaneous immunological mechanisms remain elusive. Fortunately, clinical manifestations of skin-related ADRs, irrespective of their severity, are frequently rooted in immunological processes. A comprehensive grasp of ADR morphology can aid in diagnosis. With the continuous development of new pharmaceuticals, it is noteworthy that certain drugs including immune checkpoint inhibitors have gained notoriety for their association with ADRs. This paper offers an overview of immunological mechanisms involved in cutaneous ADRs with a focus on clinical features and frequently implicated drugs.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis after injection of sclerosing agent and medical adhesive into oesophageal variceal ligation in a patient with a malignant liver tumour: A case report

Chronic liver disease can cause an increase in portal sinus pressure, which may lead to rupture and bleeding of esophageal and gastric varices. Oesophageal variceal ligation, with use of sclerosing agent and tissue glue injection is commonly used in clinical practice to address oesophageal bleeding. A 58-year-old male patient with chronic liver disease was treated with oesophageal variceal ligation, sclerosing agent and tissue glue injection due to oesophageal and gastric variceal bleeding. After 2 days, the skin of the patient exhibited erythema to different degrees. After 10 days of dexamethasone treatment, the whole-body rash worsened, and a severe skin reaction appeared that was suggestive of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Strict mucosal care was provided, and corticosteroids, γ globulin and adalimumab were concurrently used for treatment. After 20 days, the patient recovered from the skin problems. To the best of our knowledge, TEN after endoscopic surgery has rarely been reported in the relevant literature. Furthermore, when patients being treated with multiple drugs have erythema multiforme, physicians should be alert to the possibility of its development into TEN. The present case report summarizes the treatment methods for patients with TEN, providing a practical clinical basis and direction for the future diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

Mpox

ABSTRACT

Human mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a zoonotic disease that causes a smallpox-like infection in humans. The mpox virus, the causative agent of mpox, was first reported to cause human disease in a 9-month-old infant in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970. Since that time, periodic outbreaks in primarily endemic regions have occurred, typically secondary to transmission from wildlife reservoirs. However, in May 2022, after a rapid rise in worldwide cases in largely nonendemic countries, the World Health Organization declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. As of January 2022, more than 80,000 cases of mpox in nonendemic countries have occurred, and more than 25,000 cases in the United States alone. Most of these cases occurred in adults, with the highest frequency among men who had sex with men. Children and adolescents represented only 0.3% of US cases as of September 2022, with most infections in young children the result of direct contact with an infected household member. Although infection remains uncommon in US children and teens, pediatric emergency and urgent care providers should be aware of the clinical features, treatment, and prophylaxis of this important emerging infectious disease.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: 11-year retrospective experience in a high-complexity tertiary hospital in Milan, Italy

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are severe drug-induced hypersensitivity reactions characterized by widespread epidermal necrosis, mucous membrane erosions, and systemic findings. We have provided our 11-year experience from a Milan, Italy tertiary hospital managing SJS/TEN, evaluating the clinical and histopathologic features plus the impact on mortality. We retrospectively analyzed 28 patients diagnosed with SJS/TEN based on the clinical and histopathologic findings, according to the classification criteria of multiple studies. We assessed the dermatographics, comorbidities, drug history, lesion characteristics, clinical findings, treatments, blood tests, and outcomes. Severity scores (SCORTEN, Re-SCORTEN, ABCD-10) were used for treatment evaluation and mortality prediction. Data were statistically analyzed, and significant factors associated with mortality were identified. We found that among the 28 patients, 89.2% had comorbidities, mainly cardiovascular diseases, and 21.4% had autoimmune disorders. All patients had received systemic therapy (46.6% monotherapy, 53.6% combination therapy), with systemic steroids (71.4%) and intravenous immunoglobulins (67.8%) being common treatments. There were complications, including systemic infections (67.9%) and septic shock (10.7%). The overall mortality rate was 17.8%. The statistical analysis indicated that malignancy, a high ABCD-10 score, and a high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were significantly associated with mortality. The extent of affected body surface area did not correlate significantly with mortality. This study provides insights into SJS/TEN management, revealing factors influencing mortality in a high-complexity tertiary hospital setting.

Upregulation of IL-37 in epithelial cells: A potential new mechanism of T cell inhibition induced by tacrolimus

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic T cell-mediated mucocutaneous disease characterized by T cell infiltration at the connective tissue-epithelium interface. Traditionally, topical corticosteroids are used as the first-line drugs to treat OLP. However, long-term use of corticosteroids may lead to drug tolerance, secondary candidiasis, and autoimmune adrenal insufficiency. Although topical tacrolimus has often been recommended for short-term use in corticosteroid-refractory OLP, the precise role of tacrolimus in epithelial cells remains elusive. This study showed that tacrolimus could directly upregulate the expression of IL-37 in human gingival epithelial cells by promoting the TGF-βRI/Smad3 pathway independently of calcineurin inhibition and MAPKs. In contrast, dexamethasone, one of the corticosteroids, did not have the same effect. Moreover, IL-37 could inhibit the proliferation of activated T cells and the secretion of effector cytokines and alleviate epithelial cell apoptosis and death caused by activated T cells ina co-culturesystem. Furthermore, compared with healthy controls, IL-37 and p-Smad3 levels significantly increased in the oral mucosa affected by OLP, especially in the epithelium. IL-37 might have mediated a negative feedback mechanism to curb excessive inflammation in OLP. However, the expression of IL-37 was not associated with the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and Tregs in OLP, implying that IL-37 might mostly affect T cell activation rather than T cell differentiation and migration. Overall, this study discovered a potential novel mechanism by which tacrolimus might indirectly inhibit T cell-mediated immune damage by upregulating IL-37 in human gingival epithelial cells.

Correlations between histopathologic findings, serum biomarker levels, and clinical outcomes in Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN)

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are severe dermatological emergencies. The role of cytokines and chemokines in the pathogenesis, progression of the disease, and histopathologic features is not fully elucidated. To address this gap, we conducted a retrospective study examining the associations between 42 serum biomarkers, histopathologic findings, and clinical outcomes in SJS/TEN patients. We reviewed the medical records of 23 patients diagnosed with SJS/TEN. Regarding histopathology, our study did not reveal any significant associations between the degree of epidermal necrosis, dermal mononuclear cell infiltration, and clinical outcomes. However, an intriguing observation was made regarding the degree of dermal infiltration of CD8 + cells, which showed a negative correlation with the severity of acute ocular complications. Notably, serum levels of IFN-γ positively correlated with the number of CD8 + cells in dermal infiltration. Additionally, higher serum levels of myeloperoxidase were associated with greater degrees of epidermal necrosis, while serum Fas ligand and stem cell factor levels were elevated in individuals with increased dermal mononuclear cell infiltration. Furthermore, the levels of S100A8/A9 were significantly correlated with the SCORTEN and mortality rate. These findings provide insights into the intricate pathogenesis of the disease.

Steven-Johnson Syndrome Induced by Lamotrigine and Valproic Acid in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report

Steven-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are part of a spectrum of severe cutaneous adverse reactions, secondary to infections or drug-induced. Although the use of antiseizure medications (ASMs) is a risk factor for the development of SJS/TEN, primary care physicians are not familiar with these cases in some countries. We report a case of SJS associated with ASMs in a nine-year-old girl with a history of difficult-to-control epilepsy, who required adjustment and change in medications.

APOA4 as a novel predictor of prognosis in Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis: A proteomics analysis from two prospective cohorts

BACKGROUND

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare but life-threatening adverse drug reactions. Conventional systemic therapies are of limited efficacy and often exhibit strong side effects.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of the combination treatment with a tumor necrosis factor-α antagonist adalimumab and delineate the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of the combination therapy with adalimumab by comparing 2 treatment cohorts of SJS/TEN patients. Patient plasma samples were collected for proteomics analysis.

RESULTS

The combination therapy with adalimumab significantly shortened the time to mucocutaneous re-epithelization and healing, with reduced side effects caused by corticosteroids. Plasma proteomic profiling showed that apolipoprotein A-IV (APOA4) was one of the most significant differentially expressed proteins. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that APOA4 level was significantly associated with prognosis parameter of SJS/TEN (P = .004), but not with disease severity score (severity-of-illness score for toxic epidermal necrolysis [SCORTEN]) (P = .118). Thus further research will be helpful to effectively incorporate APOA4 into current SCORTEN-driven protocols.

LIMITATIONS

The cohort size is relatively small. Both cohorts had low overall SCORTEN scores.

CONCLUSION

Adalimumab in combination with corticosteroids demonstrates significant clinical benefits over corticosteroids alone in SJS/TEN patients. Moreover, APOA4 may serve as a novel prognostic marker of SJS/TEN.

Ophthalmic Aspects of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Narrative Review

The aim of our review article was to summarize the current literature on Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and its severe form, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). SJS/TEN is a serious, rare multi-system, immune-mediated, mucocutaneous disease with a significant mortality rate that can lead to severe ocular surface sequelae and even to bilateral blindness. Restoration of the ocular surface in acute and chronic SJS/TEN is challenging. There are only limited local or systemic treatment options for SJS/TEN. Early diagnosis, timely amniotic membrane transplantation and aggressive topical management in acute SJS/TEN are necessary to prevent long-term, chronic ocular complications. Although the primary aim of acute care is to save the life of the patient, ophthalmologists should regularly examine patients already in the acute phase, which should also be followed by systematic ophthalmic examination in the chronic phase. Herein, we summarize actual knowledge on the epidemiology, aetiology, pathology, clinical appearance and treatment of SJS/TEN.

Clinical value of the prognostic nutritional index and red blood cell distribution width‐to‐albumin ratio for the prediction of severity of and mortality associated with Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis

The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and red blood cell distribution width-to-albumin ratio (RAR) are considered to be related to the prognosis of disease severity. However, the role of these biomarkers in predicting Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) severity and mortality is unclear. The aim of the current study was to investigate the association of PNI and RAR with severity and mortality in individuals with SJS/TEN. Clinical data were retrospectively collected from 74 individuals with SJS/TEN and 74 healthy individuals, who were matched for age and sex during the same period. PNI, RAR, and other indicators were compared between individuals with SJS/TEN and healthy controls. The association of PNI and RAR with SJS/TEN severity was assessed using Spearman or Pearson correlation analyses. Individuals with SJS/TEN were categorized into two groups, either survivors or nonsurvivors. The correlation between PNI, RAR, and SJS/TEN mortality was analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The predictive value of the previously mentioned indicators on the mortality of patients with SJS/TEN was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The RAR level of patients with SJS/TEN was greater than that of the control group (p < 0.05), whereas PNI was lower. In compliance with correlation analysis, RAR was positively correlated with SCORTEN (Score of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis) and ABCD-10 (age, bicarbonate, cancer, dialysis, 10% body surface area) (p < 0.05), and PNI was negatively correlated (p < 0.05). RAR is a risk factor for death in patients with SJS/TEN, but an elevated PNI level is a protective factor for mortality. The best cutoff values of PNI and RAR for predicting death in patients with SJS/TEN were 31.375 (sensitivity, 84.7%; specificity, 80%) and 0.486 (sensitivity, 73.3%; specificity, 84.7%). These results underscore the potential clinical value of PNI and RAR as appropriate and meaningful biomarkers to assess the severity of SJS/TEN and the mortality associated with it.

Combined use of cyclosporine in the treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis

The exact efficacy of cyclosporine in the treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) still needs evidence from more clinical data. This study was designed to compare the effectiveness and side-effects of combined use of cyclosporine in the treatment TEN with glucocorticoids (GC)/i.v. immunoglobulin G (IVIG). A total of 46 patients with SJS/TEN were enrolled and classified into two groups based on the therapeutic drugs used. Clinical characteristics, interventions, outcomes, and disease progressions were collected and compared between the two groups. In our cohort, seven patients eventually died and the overall fatality rate was 15.2%, but there was no difference between the two groups (p = 0.557). On discharge, the median SCORe of Toxic Epidermal Necrosis (SCORTEN) fell from 2.0 at admission to 1.0 and the median body surface area detached fell from 32.0% at admission to 9.5%. Patients in the cyclosporine group had a higher rate of re-epithelialized area than patients in the non-cyclosporine group (p < 0.05). Cyclosporine significantly reduced the length of stay (19.0 vs. 13.0 days, p = 0.019) and the rate of systemic infection (71.4% vs. 36.0%, p = 0.017) compared with the non-cyclosporine group. SCORTEN was the only significant risk factor for death and the risk ratio was 1.96 (1.17-3.31, p = 0.011). Conclusively, the combined use of cyclosporine could reduce the occurrence of systemic infection and accelerate the re-epithelialization.

The Correlation of Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio and Eosinophil Count with SCORTEN in SJS/TEN

Introduction

Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are acute severe cutaneous adverse reactions commonly caused by medication. Precise evaluation of disease severity in initial setting must be obtained to start appropriate treatment. Neutrophil and lymphocyte ratio (NLR) plays a role in displaying inflammatory reaction while eosinophils count (EC) influences immunological dysregulation including the proliferation of cytotoxic cells in early onset of SJS/TEN.

Objective

To evaluate whether NLR and EC serve as prognostic markers of disease severity in patients with SJS/TEN using SCORTEN.

Methods

A single center study with retrospective study included SJS/TEN patients at Dr. Moewardi General Hospital Surakarta in January 1st 2018–December 31st 2020. The required laboratory data was assessed at the beginning of the patient’s admission through medical records. The significance analysis were performed using one-way ANOVA and Spearman while the receiver-operator curve were used to evaluate the prognostic value of variables for severity in SJS/TEN patients.

Results

The total sample in this study was 24 patients with majority female (58%) and range from 25 to >50 years (54%). The results demonstrated of significant difference and positively correlated between NLR and EC with severity of SJS/TEN (p<0.01; r>0.05). The specificity and sensitivity of 51%;61% and 70%;60%, respectively.

Conclusion

NLR and EC can be used as prognosticators of severity in SJS/TEN while further research on other inflammatory markers with increased number of samples and study centers are needed to provide more actual data.