A systematic review of the drug-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis in Indian population

Clinical Characteristics and Treatment of Ophthalmic Sequelae of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis at a Tertiary Eyecare Centre in Hungary

INTRODUCTION

This study analysed the causative factors and clinical characteristics of acute and chronic ocular sequelae of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) treated at a large third-referral centre in a developed country (Hungary) over a 15-year period.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of patients with acute and/or chronic SJS/TEN who were managed between 2006 and 2020 at the Department of Ophthalmology of Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary. For each subject, clinical data, including patient demographics, clinical history, causative agents of SJS/TEN, and conservative and surgical treatment details, were reviewed.

RESULTS

Ninety-six eyes of 48 patients were included (28 female; 58.3%); the age at disease onset was 32.1 ± 22.4 years. The most common causative factors were medicines (n = 36; 75.0%). Among these drugs, 29.2% were nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (n = 14), 20.8% were antibiotics (n = 10) and 14.6% were antiepileptic drugs (n = 7). In patients with chronic SJS/TEN, the most commonly found ocular sequelae were conjunctival hyperaemia in 45 (56.3%) eyes, symblepharon in 38 (47.5%) eyes, trichiasis/distichiasis in 37 (46.3%) eyes, corneal neovascularization in 31 (38.8%) eyes and corneal scarring in 29 (36.3%) eyes. In patients with chronic SJS/TEN, the most frequently used topical conservative treatment included antibiotics in 53 (66.3%) eyes, preservative-free artificial tears in 50 (62.5%) eyes and topical corticosteroids in 42 (52.5%) eyes of 40 patients. The most frequently performed ocular surgeries for managing chronic ocular sequelae in patients with SJS/TEN were epilation for trichiasis (n = 27; 33.8%), cataract surgery (n = 14; 17.5%), entropion surgery (n = 12; 15.0%), penetrating keratoplasty (PK) (n = 11; 13.8%) and amniotic membrane transplantation (n = 4; 5.0%).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that NSAIDs, antibiotics and antiepileptic drugs are the most common causative factors for SJS/TEN in Hungary. Like in other countries, in Hungary, the ocular management of patients with acute and chronic SJS/TEN is heterogeneous, and most cases do not follow modern therapeutic guidelines.

Amoxicillin-induced bullous erythema multiforme: a case report

Introduction

Bullous erythema multiforme (BEM), an immune-mediated, acute condition, frequently includes erosion affecting the oral, genital, and/or ocular mucosa in addition to discrete target-like lesions on the skin. BEM has been linked to various factors, including infections, medications, malignancy, autoimmune disease, immunization, and radiation.

Case presentation

Here, we report a case of a 38-year-old married woman who presented with symptoms of reddish-raised, fluid-filled and painful, nonpruritic lesions along with the swelling of bilateral hand and feet. This patient had a history of taking some unrecorded ayurvedic medication for bloating and abdominal pain in a background of antibiotic use before exhibiting the dermatological symptoms of BEM 2 days later. She was successfully managed with ampicillin and cloxacillin, acyclovir and prednisolone.

Clinical discussion

A few incidence of BEM after the administration of amoxicillin has been reported, which precipitated only after consuming ayurvedic medication. BEM has a clinical diagnosis with biopsy rarely required. Here, the hypersensitivity reaction induced by the antibiotic itself or by altering the immune response to the concomitant consumed herbal medicine could explain the BEM.

Conclusion

Physicians should note that amoxicillin can trigger BEM, regardless of its use with ayurvedic drugs. Antibiotics should be used with caution, especially in patients with a history of BEM.

Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)-associated SJS, TEN, AGEP, and DRESS Syndromes - A Narrative Review

INTRODUCTION

Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is a very common OTC drug that is found in more than 200 OTC products sold as pain, cough and cold remedies. Paracetamol is commonly used as an antipyretic to reduce fever and as an alternative to Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are contraindicated in certain patients to relieve mild-moderate pain.

OBJECTIVE

This review article focuses on SJS, TEN, SJS/TEN overlap, AGEP, and DRESS syndromes associated with the use of paracetamol or paracetamol-containing products.

METHODS

To find published articles relevant to paracetamol-associated SJS, TEN, AGEP, and DRESS, we searched the online databases Medline/Pubmed/PMC, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Ebsco, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and reference lists using keywords like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Acetaminophen, Paracetamol, Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms.

RESULTS

The paracetamol-associated SJS, TEN, SJS/TEN overlap, AGEP, and DRESS syndromes have been identified by a number of publications.

CONCLUSION

When evaluating drug-induced hypersensitivity skin reactions, healthcare professionals, including prescribers, pharmacists, and others, should be aware of this rare risk. Patients who exhibit signs and symptoms of paracetamol-associated hypersensitivity should be referred to physicians by pharmacists for further treatment. At the first sign of a skin rash or other hypersensitivity reaction while taking paracetamol, patients should be told to stop taking it and see a doctor right away.

Clinico- Therapeutic Study of Stevens Johnson Syndrome-Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis and Prognostic Significance of SCORTEN in Indian Patients

Background

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are life-threatening dermatological emergencies. SCORTEN (SCORe of toxic epidermal necrolysis) is a validated score to predict mortality; however, there is a paucity of data to determine its usefulness in the Indian population.

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy of SCORTEN as a prognostic marker in SJS-TEN.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital for two years. SCORTEN was calculated on days one and three of admission. The actual death rates were compared to the predicted rates as estimated by the SCORTEN by standardised mortality ratio analysis (SMR).

Results

Of 40 cases included in the study, the mean age was 36.2 ± 14 years (range 11-65) with the male: female ratio being 1.67:1. Antibiotics (37.5%) were the most common group followed by anticonvulsants (22.5%). Comorbidities were observed in 60% of cases, with epilepsy (17.5%) and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection (12.5%) being common. On univariate analysis, heart rate > 120/min, epidermal detachment > 10% BSA, and Se HCO3 (bicarbonate) <20 mmol/L were associated significantly with the death of the subjects (P < 0.05). The observed mortalities were 4.34%, 0, 0 and 80% for SCORTEN 0-1 (3.2%), 2 (12.1%), 3 (35.8%) and 4 (58.3%) respectively when compared to expected mortality. SMR of SJS was 0.69 and of TEN was 1.49.

Conclusion

SCORTEN gave an overestimation of mortality in patients with lower scores and an underestimation of mortality in patients with higher scores in our study. Minor refinements based on the study population may increase the predictive accuracy of the original scale.

Risk of serious skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders for nimesulide among the pediatric population: a jeopardy identified through the analysis of global individual case safety reports

BACKGROUND

The safety reports arising currently on nimesulide are divulging the jeopardy of skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders (SSTDs).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The global individual case safety reports on nimesulide-induced SSTDs available at VigiBase® were analyzed up to 31 March 2023. Disproportionality analyses viz. Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR), Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR), and Information Component (IC) were performed to identify the quantitative signals.

RESULTS

Out of 33,983,649 de-duplicated cases available in the VigiBase®, 1,664,134 (4.9%) were in pediatrics below 12 years of age. Among these, cases attributed to nimesulide were 251, of which 126 (50.2%) were on SSTDs. Among all the SSTDs reported for nimesulide, the serious reactions like urticaria [PRR = 2.3; lower bound (LB) ROR = 1.7; IC025 = 0.6], Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) [PRR = 28.3; LB ROR = 18.2; IC025 = 3.2], angioedema [PRR = 7.5; LB ROR = 4.5; IC025 = 1.7], and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) [PRR = 27.4; LB ROR = 11.5; IC025 = 1.5] were identified as potential signals. In comparison with non-SSTDs, SSTDs reported for nimesulide were significantly higher among children (2-11 years, 90.5%), from India (38.9%), and by the physician (60.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Identifying the giant quantitate association between nimesulide and serious & life-threatening reactions like SJS and TEN, precautionary measures need to be taken by the regulatory authorities to prevent nimesulide-induced SSTDs among the pediatric population.

Development and Validation of a Novel Score to Predict Mortality in Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: CRISTEN

BACKGROUND

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are life-threatening, severe mucocutaneous adverse reactions. Severity prediction at early onset is urgently required for treatment. However, previous prediction scores have been based on data of blood tests.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to present a novel score that predicts mortality in patients with SJS/TEN in the early stages based on only clinical information.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 382 patients with SJS/TEN in a development study. A clinical risk score for TEN (CRISTEN) was created according to the association of potential risk factors with death. We calculated the sum of these risk factors using CRISTEN, and this was validated in a multinational survey of 416 patients and was compared with previous scoring systems.

RESULTS

The significant risk factors for death in SJS/TEN comprised 10 items, including patients' age of ≥65 years, ≥10% body surface area involvement, the use of antibiotics as culprit drugs, the use of systemic corticosteroid therapy before the onset, and mucosal damage affecting the ocular, buccal, and genital mucosa. Renal impairment, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, malignant neoplasm, and bacterial infection were included as underlying diseases. The CRISTEN model showed good discrimination (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.884) and calibration. In the validation study, the AUC was 0.827, which was statistically comparable to those of previous systems.

CONCLUSION

A scoring system based on only clinical information was developed to predict mortality in SJS/TEN and was validated in an independent multinational study. CRISTEN may predict individual survival probabilities and direct the management and therapy of patients with 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.

Drug induced erythema multiforme of the oral cavity

Drug induced erythema multiforme (EM) is a rare clinical entity which majorly involves the oral cavity. It commonly occurs due to intake of drugs such as NSAID'S, certain antibiotics, and anticonvulsants. It is characterized by rapidly rupturing vesicles leading to ill-defined erosions in the oral cavity and encrusted lip lesions. These lesions are usually difficult to differentiate from other vesiculo bullous and ulcerative lesions which would have a similar presentation and the absence of skin lesions can sometimes lead to misdiagnosis. Drug induced EM has an acute onset and is a self-limiting inflammatory hypersensitivity reaction that causes blistering and ulcerations of the skin and mucous membrane. The lesions heal following the discontinuation of the causative medications. This case report describes a case of drug induced erythema multiforme of the oral cavity that occurred consequent to the intake of Tab.Diclofenac Sodium and Tab.Cephelexin. The patient developed painful, bleeding, burning ulcerations with severe crustations on the upper, and lower lip, lateral and ventral surface of tongue, hard palate and retro molar regions. The case was managed with corticosteroids.

Etoricoxib Induced Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis in a case of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report

Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a potentially life-threatening dermatological condition whose pathogenesis and exact treatment are not yet known. Drugs like anticonvulsants, allopurinol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like etoricoxib, a selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitor prescribed for pain management are associated with a high risk of toxic epidermal necrolysis. It is also associated with immunodeficiency and dysregulated immune reactions like systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease in which organs and cells undergo damage initially mediated by tissue binding auto-antibodies and immune complexes. Here, a 34 year old lady was presented in emergency with multiple maculopapular rashes over the neck and trunk region after treatment with etoricoxib for osteoarthritis of the left foot.

Lacrimal Gland Insufficiency in Aqueous Deficiency Dry Eye Disease: Recent Advances in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment

BACKGROUND

Aqueous deficiency dry eye disease is a chronic and potentially sight-threatening condition, that occurs due to the dysfunction of the lacrimal glands. The aim of this review was to describe the various recent developments in the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of lacrimal gland insufficiency in aqueous deficiency dry eye disease.

METHODS

A MEDLINE database search using PubMed was performed using the keywords: "dry eye disease/syndrome", "aqueous deficient/deficiency dry eye disease", "lacrimal gland" and "Sjogren's syndrome". After scanning through 750 relevant abstracts, 73 eligible articles published in the English language from 2016 to 2021 were included in the review.

RESULTS

Histopathological and ultrastructural studies have revealed new insights into the pathogenesis of cicatrising conjunctivitis-induced aqueous deficiency, where the lacrimal gland acini remain uninvolved and retain their secretory property, while significant ultrastructural changes in the gland have been observed. Recent advances in diagnosis include the techniques of direct clinical assessment of the lacrimal gland morphology and secretion, tear film osmolarity, tear film lysozyme and lactoferrin levels, tear film interferometry and lacrimal gland confocal microscopy. Developments in the treatment of aqueous deficiency dry eye disease, apart from the nanoparticle-based tear substitutes, include secretagogues like diquafosol tetrasodium and rebamipide, anti-inflammatory topical agents like nanomicellar form of cyclosporine and lifitegrast, scleral contact lenses, neurostimulation, and acupuncture for increasing the amount of tear production, minor salivary gland transplantation, faecal microbial transplantation, lacrimal gland regeneration and mesenchymal stem cell therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant advances in the understanding, diagnosis and management of lacrimal gland insufficiency and its role in aqueous deficiency dry eye disease have taken place within the second half of the last decade. Of which, translational breakthroughs in terms of newer drug formulations and regenerative medicine are most promising.

Drug-Induced Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions: Insights Into Clinical Presentation, Immunopathogenesis, Diagnostic Methods, Treatment, and Pharmacogenomics

SCARs are rare and life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions. In general, the increased duration of hospital stays and the associated cost burden are common issues, and in the worst-case scenario, they can result in mortality. SCARs are delayed T cell-mediated hypersensitivity reactions. Recovery can take from 2 weeks to many months after dechallenging the culprit drugs. Genetic polymorphism of the HLA genes may change the selection and presentation of antigens, allowing toxic drug metabolites to initiate immunological reactions. However, each SCARs has a different onset latency period, clinical features, or morphological pattern. This explains that, other than HLA mutations, other immuno-pathogenesis may be involved in drug-induced severe cutaneous reactions. This review will discuss the clinical morphology of various SCARs, various immune pathogenesis models, diagnostic criteria, treatments, the association of various drug-induced reactions and susceptible alleles in different populations, and the successful implementation of pharmacogenomics in Thailand for the prevention of SCARs.

Systemic interventions for treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and SJS/TEN overlap syndrome

BACKGROUND

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and SJS/TEN overlap syndrome are rare, severe cutaneous adverse reactions usually triggered by medications. In addition to tertiary-level supportive care, various systemic therapies have been used including glucocorticoids, intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs), cyclosporin, N-acetylcysteine, thalidomide, infliximab, etanercept, and plasmapheresis. There is an unmet need to understand the efficacy of these interventions.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of systemic therapies (medicines delivered orally, intramuscularly, or intravenously) for the treatment of SJS, TEN, and SJS/TEN overlap syndrome.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following databases up to March 2021: the Cochrane Skin Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and Embase. We also searched five clinical trial registers, the reference lists of all included studies and of key review articles, and a number of drug manufacturer websites. We searched for errata or retractions of included studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective observational comparative studies of participants of any age with a clinical diagnosis of SJS, TEN, or SJS/TEN overlap syndrome. We included all systemic therapies studied to date and permitted comparisons between each therapy, as well as between therapy and placebo.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures as specified by Cochrane. Our primary outcomes were SJS/TEN-specific mortality and adverse effects leading to discontinuation of SJS/TEN therapy. Secondary outcomes included time to complete re-epithelialisation, intensive care unit length of stay, total hospital length of stay, illness sequelae, and other adverse effects attributed to systemic therapy. We rated the certainty of the evidence for each outcome using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

We included nine studies with a total of 308 participants (131 males and 155 females) from seven countries. We included two studies in the quantitative meta-analysis. We included three RCTs and six prospective, controlled observational studies. Sample sizes ranged from 10 to 91. Most studies did not report study duration or time to follow-up. Two studies reported a mean SCORe of Toxic Epidermal Necrosis (SCORTEN) of 3 and 1.9. Seven studies did not report SCORTEN, although four of these studies reported average or ranges of body surface area (BSA) (means ranging from 44% to 51%). Two studies were set in burns units, two in dermatology wards, one in an intensive care unit, one in a paediatric ward, and three in unspecified inpatient units. Seven studies reported a mean age, which ranged from 29 to 56 years. Two studies included paediatric participants (23 children). We assessed the results from one of three RCTs as low risk of bias in all domains, one as high, and one as some concerns. We judged the results from all six prospective observational comparative studies to be at a high risk of bias. We downgraded the certainty of the evidence because of serious risk of bias concerns and for imprecision due to small numbers of participants. The interventions assessed included systemic corticosteroids, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors, cyclosporin, thalidomide, N-acetylcysteine, IVIG, and supportive care. No data were available for the main comparisons of interest as specified in the review protocol: etanercept versus cyclosporin, etanercept versus IVIG, IVIG versus supportive care, IVIG versus cyclosporin, and cyclosporin versus corticosteroids. Corticosteroids versus no corticosteroids It is uncertain if there is any difference between corticosteroids (methylprednisolone 4 mg/kg/day for two more days after fever had subsided and no new lesions had developed) and no corticosteroids on disease-specific mortality (risk ratio (RR) 2.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72 to 9.03; 2 studies; 56 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Time to complete re-epithelialisation, length of hospital stay, and adverse effects leading to discontinuation of therapy were not reported. IVIG versus no IVIG It is uncertain if there is any difference between IVIG (0.2 to 0.5 g/kg cumulative dose over three days) and no IVIG in risk of disease-specific mortality (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.04 to 2.91); time to complete re-epithelialisation (mean difference (MD) -2.93 days, 95% CI -4.4 to -1.46); or length of hospital stay (MD -2.00 days, 95% CI -5.81 to 1.81). All results in this comparison were based on one study with 36 participants, and very low-certainty evidence. Adverse effects leading to discontinuation of therapy were not reported. Etanercept (TNF-alpha inhibitor) versus corticosteroids Etanercept (25 mg (50 mg if weight > 65 kg) twice weekly "until skin lesions healed") may reduce disease-specific mortality compared to corticosteroids (intravenous prednisolone 1 to 1.5 mg/kg/day "until skin lesions healed") (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.16 to 1.63; 1 study; 91 participants; low-certainty evidence); however, the CIs were consistent with possible benefit and possible harm. Serious adverse events, such as sepsis and respiratory failure, were reported in 5 of 48 participants with etanercept and 9 of 43 participants with corticosteroids, but it was not clear if they led to discontinuation of therapy. Time to complete re-epithelialisation and length of hospital stay were not reported. Cyclosporin versus IVIG  It is uncertain if there is any difference between cyclosporin (3 mg/kg/day or intravenous 1 mg/kg/day until complete re-epithelialisation, then tapered off (10 mg/day reduction every 48 hours)) and IVIG (continuous infusion 0.75 g/kg/day for 4 days (total dose 3 g/kg) in participants with normal renal function) in risk of disease-specific mortality (RR 0.13, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.98, 1 study; 22 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Time to complete re-epithelialisation, length of hospital stay, and adverse effects leading to discontinuation of therapy were not reported. No studies measured intensive care unit length of stay.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

When compared to corticosteroids, etanercept may result in mortality reduction. For the following comparisons, the certainty of the evidence for disease-specific mortality is very low: corticosteroids versus no corticosteroids,  IVIG versus no IVIG and cyclosporin versus IVIG. There is a need for more multicentric studies, focused on the most important clinical comparisons, to provide reliable answers about the best treatments for SJS/TEN.

Stress, anxiety, and depression in patients with vitiligo

Background

Vitiligo has a significant effect on patients’ quality of life; they feel stigmatized and disturbed by their condition. A lot of vitiligo patients, according to reports, suffer from psychological disturbances. The aim of the study is to find the relation between vitiligo and stress, anxiety, and depression and to measure how vitiligo affects the quality of life index. This study included 50 vitiligo patients and 50 matched healthy control groups. All patients were assessed by the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) to determine the severity of anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scale to evaluate their quality of life while the control group underwent only the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale.

Results

The prevalence of stress was 76% (n=38), anxiety was 78% (n=39), and depression was 80% (n=40); the difference was statistically significant between patient group and control group regarding stress, anxiety, and depression. Gender had a significant relationship with stress, anxiety, and depression (p < 0.05) (female affected more than male). Also, there was a statistically significant relation between the degree of vitiligo and anxiety (p < 0.05). Vitiligo has a moderate to very severe effect on the quality of life index. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between stress and feeling of embarrassment from vitiligo and clothes choice.

Conclusion

Vitiligo is a psychcutaneous disease that does not only affect the patient’s physical status, but also his mental and psychological status.

Differential expression of tear film cytokines in Stevens-Johnson syndrome patients and comparative review of literature

To investigate the differential expression of tear cytokine levels among chronic Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) patients to better understand the role of significantly altered cytokines in disease development. Tear samples were collected using Schirmer strips in 24 eyes of chronic SJS, 24 eyes of age and gender-matched controls, and 14 eyes of aqueous deficiency dry eye disease (DED) patients. The cytokine analysis was performed among 18 analytes which include pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory factors, and ELR-negative CXC chemokines. String analysis was performed for the significantly altered cytokines to understand their co-expression and role in the disease development. Additionally, a literature review was conducted to identify the signature cytokines present in chronic SJS tears. The differential expression of IL-6 (p ≤ 0.029), CXCL8/IL-8 (p ≤ 0.009), IL-1β (p ≤ 0.041), IL-2 (p ≤ 0.025), IL-10 (p ≤ 0.053), and CXCL-10 (p ≤ 0.044) were observed in chronic SJS patients and healthy controls. Whereas, IL-6 (p ≤ 0.029), CXCL8/IL-8 (p ≤ 0.058), CCL4 (p ≤ 0.056), GM-CSF (p ≤ 0.0001) IL-10 (p ≤ 0.025), and CXCL-10 (p ≤ 0.010), were differentially expressed in SJS as compared to severe DED patients. String analysis of the significantly altered cytokines revealed the involvement of several biological processes including the chronic inflammatory response, nitric oxide synthesis, angiogenesis, and cellular response to drugs. Among all the cytokines evaluated, the expression of CXCL8/IL-8 and CXCL10 levels were consistently reported in the literature. There was a differential expression of tear cytokines in SJS when compared to DED and healthy controls. The differential expression of CXCL8/IL-8 and CXCL10 was in line with existing literature and their role in chronic SJS pathogenesis merits further evaluation.

Clinical Aspects of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis With Severe Ocular Complications in India

Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) is a spectrum of rare, severe immunological blistering skin reactions which are triggered by medication intake or infections. The acute phase is characterized by necrolysis of the skin and desquamation of mucosa, primarily oral and ocular, with significant mortality rates. The chronic phase is characterized by multi-organ sequelae with increased rates of morbidity and reduced quality of life for patients who have survived the acute phase. Since the primary goal in the acute phase is saving the life of the patient, ocular involvement is often missed and a significant proportion of patients present to an ophthalmologist with the chronic ocular sequelae. In India, chronic ocular sequelae and low vision are observed in two-thirds of patients who present in the chronic phase of SJS/TEN. In the chronic phase of ocular involvement, there are definite windows of opportunity which if targeted with specific interventions such as scleral lenses and mucous membrane grafts can help reduce the incidence of corneal blindness and improve the quality of life for patients with SJS/TEN. Over the last decade, several studies from India have advanced the understanding of the natural course of ocular involvement in SJS/TEN and the outcomes of timely interventions in the chronic phase of the disease. We present an overview of the epidemiology of ocular complications of SJS/TEN in India, the specific challenges faced in the management of ocular complications in the acute stage and recent advances in management of the chronic ocular complications of the disease.

Association of HLA-B*51:01, HLA-B*55:01, CYP2C9*3, and Phenytoin-Induced Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions in the South Indian Tamil Population

Phenytoin (PHT) is one of the most commonly reported aromatic anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) to cause cutaneous adverse reactions (CADRs), particularly severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs). Although human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B*15:02 is associated with PHT-induced Steven Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrosis (SJS/TEN) in East Asians, the association is much weaker than it is reported for carbamazepine (CBZ). In this study, we investigated the association of pharmacogenetic variants of the HLA B gene and CYP2C9*3 with PHT-CADRs in South Indian epileptic patients. This prospective case-controlled study included 25 PHT-induced CADRs, 30 phenytoin-tolerant patients, and 463 (HLA-B) and 82 (CYP2C9*3) normal-controls from previous studies included for the case and normal-control comparison. Six SCARs cases and 19 mild-moderate reactions were observed among the 25 cases. Pooled data analysis was performed for the HLA B*51:01 and PHT-CADRs associations. The Fisher exact test and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis were used to identify the susceptible alleles associated with PHT-CADRs. Multivariate analysis showed that CYP2C9*3 was significantly associated with overall PHT-CADRs (OR = 12.00, 95% CI 2.759–84.87, p = 003). In subgroup analysis, CYP2C9*3 and HLA B*55:01 were found to be associated with PHT-SCARs (OR = 12.45, 95% CI 1.138–136.2, p = 0.003) and PHT-maculopapular exanthema (MPE) (OR = 4.041, 95% CI 1.125–15.67, p = 0.035), respectively. Pooled data analysis has confirmed the association between HLA B*51:01/PHT-SCARs (OR = 6.273, 95% CI 2.24–16.69, p = <0.001) and HLA B*51:01/PHT-overall CADRs (OR = 2.323, 95% CI 1.22–5.899, p = 0.037). In this study, neither the case nor the control groups had any patients with HLA B*15:02. The risk variables for PHT-SCARs, PHT-overall CADRs, and PHT-MPE were found to be HLA B*51:01, CYP2C9*3, and HLA B*55:01, respectively. These alleles were identified as the risk factors for the first time in the South Indian Tamil population for PHT-CADRs. Further investigation is warranted to establish the clinical relevance of these alleles in this population with larger sample size.

Agreement among different scales for causality assessment in drug-induced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Identification of the offending drug is crucial and challenging in cases of severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADR) like Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Poor reproducibility and varying levels of agreement have been observed among different causality assessment tools (CATs) in assessing severe CADRs. This study was conducted to examine the agreement among four different CATs in assessing cases of drug-induced SJS, TEN and SJS/TEN overlap.

METHODS

All cases of drug-induced SJS, TEN and SJS/TEN overlap, which were reported between January 2012 and January 2020 were identified from the ADR register at an ADR monitoring center. Causality assessment was done in these reported cases using the following CATs: The World Health Organization-Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO-UMC) scale, Naranjo algorithm, Liverpool algorithm and Algorithm of drug causality for epidermal necrolysis (ALDEN). Weighted kappa (κw) test was used to calculate the agreement among four CATs.

RESULTS

A total of 30 cases of drug-induced SJS, TEN and SJS/TEN overlap were included in our analyses. The most common offending group of drugs were anticonvulsants (46.7%), antimicrobials (40%) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (13.3%). Of the anticonvulsants, phenytoin (13.3%), carbamazepine (10%) and valproate (10%) were the commonly reported offending drugs. Poor agreement was observed among the four different causality assessment scales.

CONCLUSION

Discrepancies were observed among four different CATs in assessing drug-induced SJS and TEN. A CAT that is more specific to drug-induced SJS and TEN, simple, user-friendly with limited subjective interpretation, incorporating new immunological and pharmacogenetic markers is necessary.

Drug induced oral erythema multiforme: Case report

INTRODUCTION

Drug induced oral erythema multiforme a rare clinical entity which involves only the lips and oral mucosa without skin involvement. These lesions are difficult in diagnosing with other oral ulcerative lesions with similar clinical manifestations.

PATIENT CONCERNS

This article presents 2 case reports of Oral erythema multiforme in which drugs were the precipitating factor. Its etiopathogenesis, differential diagnosis and treatment modalities of the disease is discussed.

DIAGNOSIS

Based on patient's complaints, drug history and clinical appearance, provisional diagnosis of drug induced erythema multiforme was considered.

INTERVENTION

For case 1, patient was instructed to discontinue usage of drug and prescribed systemic steroid (Prednisolone 10 mg/d) for a week along with germicidal drugs to prevent secondary infection. Medication was tapered to 5 mg/d after first week.For case 2, patient was instructed to discontinue the drug and systemic steroid prednisolone 20 mg /d for 1 week with tapering dose of 10 mg/d for the second week was administered.

OUTCOME

For case 1 and case 2 healing of the lesions were evident on third week of follow up.

CONCLUSION

Medications should be taken under medical supervision. Over the counter drugs might lead to allergic reactions like drug induced oral erythema multiforme, which is a rare variant and needs to be differentiate from other oral ulcerative lesion for prompt management and follow-up.

Comparison of effectiveness of interventions in reducing mortality in patients of toxic epidermal necrolysis: A network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Limited evidence is available about effectiveness and choice of immunomodulating treatment modalities for toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).

AIMS

To compare the effectiveness of interventions to reduce mortality in patients of toxic epidermal necrolysis through network meta-analysis.

METHODS

Studies were retrieved using PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from inception to September 18, 2018. Only English language articles were considered. Observational and randomized controlled studies having ≥ 5 TEN patients in each intervention arm were included. Two investigators independently extracted study characteristics, intervention details and mortality data. Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed using the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approach through the random effect model. The ranking analysis was done to provide a hierarchy of interventions. The consistency between direct and indirect evidence was assessed through node spit analysis. The primary outcome was to compare the mortality [Odds ratio OR (95% credibility interval CrI)] among all treatment modalities of TEN.

RESULTS

Twenty-four studies satisfying the selection criteria were included. The network analysis showed improved survival with cyclosporine as compared to supportive care [OR- 0.19 (95% CrI: 0.05, 0.59)] and intravenous immunoglobulin [OR- 0.21 (95% CrI: 0.05, 0.76)]. The hierarchy of treatments based on "surface under the cumulative ranking curves" (SUCRA) value were cyclosporine (0.93), steroid+intravenous immunoglobulin (0.76), etanercept (0.59), steroids (0.46), intravenous immunoglobulin (0.40), supportive care (0.34) and thalidomide (0.02). No inconsistencies between direct and indirect estimates were observed for any of the treatment pairs.

LIMITATIONS

Evidence is mainly based on retrospective studies.

CONCLUSION

The use of cyclosporine can reduce mortality in TEN patients. Other promising immunomodulators could be steroid+intravenous immunoglobulin combination and etanercept.

Genomic Risk Factors Driving Immune-Mediated Delayed Drug Hypersensitivity Reactions

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) remain associated with significant mortality. Delayed hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) that occur greater than 6 h following drug administration are T-cell mediated with many severe DHRs now associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) risk alleles, opening pathways for clinical prediction and prevention. However, incomplete negative predictive value (NPV), low positive predictive value (PPV), and a large number needed to test (NNT) to prevent one case have practically prevented large-scale and cost-effective screening implementation. Additional factors outside of HLA contributing to risk of severe T-cell-mediated DHRs include variation in drug metabolism, T-cell receptor (TCR) specificity, and, most recently, HLA-presented immunopeptidome-processing efficiencies via endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase (ERAP). Active research continues toward identification of other highly polymorphic factors likely to impose risk. These include those previously associated with T-cell-mediated HLA-associated infectious or auto-immune disease such as Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR), epistatically linked with HLA class I to regulate NK- and T-cell-mediated cytotoxic degranulation, and co-inhibitory signaling pathways for which therapeutic blockade in cancer immunotherapy is now associated with an increased incidence of DHRs. As such, the field now recognizes that susceptibility is not simply a static product of genetics but that individuals may experience dynamic risk, skewed toward immune activation through therapeutic interventions and epigenetic modifications driven by ecological exposures. This review provides an updated overview of current and proposed genetic factors thought to predispose risk for severe T-cell-mediated DHRs.

Bronchiolitis obliterans following toxic epidermal necrolysis: a case report

Background

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare, acute and potentially fatal skin condition usually induced by drugs. Although much attention is focused on the life threatening acute cutaneous and sight threatening ocular manifestations of this disease, chronic pulmonary complications like bronchiolitis obliterans are occasionally encountered. However, little is known about its incidence, pathogenesis, clinical course and outcome in children recovering from TEN.

Case presentation

We report a five-year-old boy who presented four months after the first manifestation of drug-induced TEN with cough and shortness of breath and was subsequently diagnosed with bronchiolitis obliterans. He was treated with supportive therapy that improved his hypercapnia allowing him to be discharged on domiciliary oxygen, chest physiotherapy and bronchodilators.

Conclusions

This case highlights the need to be vigilant for adverse drug reactions and consider chronic pulmonary complications like Bronchiolitis Obliterans in children recovering from TEN.

Dermoscopic Aspects of Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions

Background

Little is known about the dermoscopic evaluation of cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADRs).

Objectives

To evaluate the dermoscopic patterns of CADRs and identify those associated with severe cutaneous adverse reactions to drugs (SCARDs).

Patients and Methods

Patients included in this study from May 2015 to April 2016 had presented with CADRs. CADR presentation and classification were based on standard criteria. SCARDs included Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), overlap SJS/TEN, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). The dermoscopic features of CADRs were described and compared according to the severity of the reactions.

Results

Sixty-nine patients were included. Sixteen patients (23.2%) presented SCARDs. The main dermoscopic findings in SJS, overlap SJS/TEN and TEN were black dots or necrotic areas (100%). Erosion [respectively, 4/6 (66.7%), 3/3 (100%) and 1/1 (100%)], necrotic borders [respectively, 4/6 (66.7%), 3/3 (100%) and 1/1, (100%)] and epidermal detachment [respectively, 5/6 (83.3%); 2/3 (66.7%) and 1/1 (100%)] were also common among these reactions. Erythema and purpuric dots were the main dermoscopic findings [respectively, 5/6 (83.3%) and 4/6 (66.7%)] in DRESS. In non-severe reactions, the most prevalent structures were erythema and purpura in exanthema [respectively, 31/33 (93.9%) and 24/33 (72.7%)] and erythema and vascular structures in urticarial reactions [respectively, 6/6 (100%) and 3/6 (50%)]. Black dots or necrotic areas, epidermal detachment, necrotic borders and erosion were highly associated with SCARDs (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Dermoscopy improves clinical recognition of SCARDs.

Genetic Markers for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis in the Asian Indian Population: Implications on Prevention

This review attempts to collate all the studies performed in India or comprising a population originating from India and to find out if there is an association between the HLA (human leucocyte antigen) type of individual and development of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) subsequent to medication use. The authors performed a PubMed search of all articles published in English from 2009 to 2019 for articles that studied HLA type in patients who developed SJS/TEN after intake of a specific drug in the Asian Indian population or in individuals of Asian Indian origin. The selection criteria were satisfied by a total of 11 studies that reported HLA associations with specific drugs, which induced SJS/TEN, mainly anti-epileptic drugs, and cold medicine/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These studies involved a small number of patients, and hence, there is limited evidence to conclude if these associations can be extrapolated to a larger population of the same ethnicity. Similar multi-center studies need to be conducted with a larger sample size to confirm these associations. This would have implications in policy making and for understanding the potential of using genetic markers as a screening tool before prescribing a drug to a patient, which might make them susceptible to developing a potentially life-threatening disease such as SJS/TEN. This is possibly the only mode of primary prevention for this potentially fatal severe cutaneous adverse drug reaction.

Severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions: Incidence, clinical patterns, causative drugs and modalities of treatment in Assiut University Hospital, Upper Egypt

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and overlap SJS/TEN are life-threatening diseases that are most frequently caused by drugs. Much debate remains about the role of systemic corticosteroids (SCs) in their treatment. Our aim to determine the incidence, causative drugs, the role and side effects of SCs in severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), in Assiut University Hospital (AUH). Patients This study was conducted in Department of Dermatology at AUH, from 2012 to 2017. All patients with SJS, overlap SJS/TEN and TEN admitted during this period were included in the study. Eighty-three patients with SCARs were included in this study. The most common type was SJS (67.5%). The incidence ranged from 1.7% in 2012 to 7.7% in 2017. Carbamazepine, valproic acid, lamotrigine, diclofenac sodium, and flucloxacillin-amoxicillin were the most common causative drugs. The most common side effects of SCs were peptic ulcer (55.5%) and hypertension (51.8%). The mortality rate in patients treated with SCs was 100% in TEN, 33.3% in overlap SJS/TEN and 16.3% in SJS. The patients of SCARs must be aware of the causative drugs and must never be re-administered. SCs in treatment of SCARs may increase the complications and the mortality rate.

Frequency of different types of facial melanoses referring to the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital in 2019, and assessment of their effect on health-related quality of life

Background

Abnormalities of facial pigmentation, or facial melanoses, are a common presenting complaint in Nepal and are the result of a diverse range of conditions.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to determine the frequency, underlying cause and impact on quality of life of facial pigmentary disorders among patients visiting the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital (NMCTH) over the course of one year.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, NMCTH. We recruited patients with facial melanoses above 16 years of age who presented to the outpatient department. Clinical and demographic data were collected and all the enrolled participants completed the validated Nepali version of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).

Results

Between January 5, 2019 to January 4, 2020, a total of 485 patients were recruited in the study. The most common diagnoses were melasma (166 patients) and post acne hyperpigmentation (71 patients). Quality of life impairment was highest in patients having melasma with steroid induced rosacea-like dermatitis (DLQI = 13.54 ± 1.30), while it was lowest in participants with ephelides (2.45 ± 1.23).

Conclusion

Facial melanoses are a common presenting complaint and lead to substantial impacts on quality of life. Accurate diagnosis and management can prevent or treat many facial melanoses, including those that lead to substantial loss of quality of life, such as melasma with steroid induced rosacea-like dermatitis. Health care systems in low and middle-income countries should dedicate resources to the identification, prevention and treatment of these conditions to improve quality of life.

General characteristics, economic burden, causative drugs and medical errors associated with medical damage litigation involving severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions in China

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

To investigate the general characteristics, economic burden, causative drugs and medical errors associated with litigation involving severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCADRs) in China, with the aims of improving rational medication use and reducing the extent of damage from SCADRs.

METHODS

This study analysed 150 lawsuit judgements involving SCADRs from 2005 to 2019, collected from China Judgments Online.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In total, 50% of lawsuits stemmed from SCADRs occurring in general hospitals. The average time elapsed from the date of occurrence of the SCADRs to the end of litigation procedures was 1055 days. Of the patients involved, 51% were female and more than two thirds (69%) were under 60 years old. The most common outcome of SCADRs was death (39%), followed by disabilities (30%). The average responsibility of the medical provider was 48 ± 29%. The average amount of compensation was $43 424. Of the cases studied, 51% of SCADRs were Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, which together accounted for 75% of cases with known clinical subtype. The overall average economic burden of SCADRs was $99 178, of which indirect costs made up the largest proportion (more than 60%). The most common causative drug groups were antimicrobial drugs (49%), Chinese patent medicine and Chinese herbal medicine (17%), and antipyretic analgesics (16%). Finally, 61% of medical errors were found to stem from violation of duty of care, 20% from violation of informed consent and 18% from violations related to the medical record writing and management system.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions not only severely affect patient survival and quality of life, but also impose a heavy economic burden in terms of health care and societal costs. Medical providers should be better educated on strategies to reduce risk to patients and establish mechanisms of risk sharing and management.

Adverse drug reaction profile in Amravati region of India: A pharmacovigilance study

Background:

This pharmacovigilance study was conducted in Amravati region of central India to identify the nature and prevalence of adverse drug reactions, which will be helpful for better drug prescription practice and management of diseases.

Materials and Methods:

Adverse drug reaction reporting forms from April 2016 to March 2019, were collected from the pharmacovigilance center, which include details of demographics, investigations, concomitant drug history, and details of present complaints including reaction details, onset, recovery, drug information, hospitalization, management, and assessment.

Results:

A total of 19 cases were reported. Approximately 47.4% male and 52.6% female experienced the reactions with age-group ranging from 15 to 75 years. The most common adverse drug reactions were caused by antimicrobial agents (47.6%) followed by other group of drugs (37%) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (15.9%). Polypharmacy was the most common cause (31.6%) with the most common route being intravenous (42.1%). Skin reactions were the most common (84.2%). Antitubercular drugs were more commonly responsible for exfoliative lesions, whereas paracetamol and unknown drugs were responsible for multiple ulcerative lesions. Reactions to antitubercular drugs were considered as possible (15.8%), whereas with other drugs (63.2%), it was probable.

Conclusion:

It is a tip of the iceberg, which provides important demographic details in which adverse drug reactions were reported. Cutaneous reactions due to common drugs are responsible for hospitalization of the patients. There is an urgent need of training for health-care providers so that reporting can be improved and better picture can emerge.

A review and guide to drug-associated oral adverse effects-Oral mucosal and lichenoid reactions. Part 2

Dental practitioners and other health professionals commonly encounter and manage adverse medicine effects that manifest in the orofacial region. Numerous medicines are associated with a variety of oral adverse effects. However, due to lack of awareness and training, these side effects are not always associated with medicine use and are underreported to pharmacovigilance agencies by dentists and other health professionals. This article aims to inform health professionals about the various oral adverse effects that can occur and the most commonly implicated drugs to improve the management, recognition and reporting of adverse drug effects. This article follows on from Part 1; however, the focus here is on lichenoid reactions and oral mucosal disorders including oral aphthous-like ulceration, mucositis and bullous disorders such as drug-induced pemphigus, pemphigoid, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis - retrospective review of cases in a high complexity hospital in Brazil

BACKGROUND

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare conditions characterized by epidermal necrosis, mostly caused by drugs. Despite the rarity of these conditions, morbidity and mortality are high (even in previously healthy patients), and they may be associated with permanent sequelae.

METHODS

A retrospective study conducted at a quaternary hospital in Brazil in a period of 10 years.

RESULTS

The sample was composed by 41 patients with SJS, SJS/TEN, and TEN confirmed by skin biopsy. Antibiotics and anticonvulsants were the most frequently implied drug classes, and phenytoin was the most important individual culprit drug. In this study, 12.2% of the patients had sequelae, being ophthalmological lesions the most common and one case of a newly described hearing loss. The mortality rate was 16.7% in patients with TEN.

CONCLUSIONS

This study describes the largest Latin American case series of SJS and TEN with the diagnosis proven by skin biopsy and adds important data regarding the profile of the disease in Brazil. It also describes a novel sequelae of hearing loss.

Analysis of Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions Reported at the Regional ADR Monitoring Center

Introduction:

Skin is one of the major target organ for adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The incidence of dermatological ADRs among indoor patients in developed countries ranges from 1–3%, whereas in developing countries such as India, it is 2–5%.

Aims:

To analyze the clinical spectrum, seriousness, outcome, causality, severity, and preventability of the cutaneous ADRs.

Material and Methods:

All cutaneous ADRs reported at the Regional Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Center between January 2013 to May 2016 were identified and evaluated. A retrospective analysis was carried out for clinical presentation, causality (as per the WHO–UMC scale and the Naranjo’a reactions (ADRs) Severity (Hartwig and Seigel scale), and preventability (Schumock and Thornton criteria) of a said drug.

Results:

Out of 2171 ADRs reported during study period, 538 were cutaneous ADRs (24.78%). The most common clinical presentation was maculopapular rash (58.92%) followed by itching (10.59%), and Stevens–Johnson syndrome (4.83%). The time relationship of cutaneous ADRs to drug therapy revealed that they can develop within 1 week to 1 year of treatment. Most common causal drug groups were antimicrobials (46%), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (18%), and antiepileptics (10%). Polypharmacy was observed in 7% of the cases. Most of the cutaneous ADRs were non-serious (91%), however, 10 were life-threatening and 1 was resulted in death due to the Stevens–Johnson syndrome. Causality category for majority of cutaneous ADRs was possible. Although majority of cutaneous ADRs were moderately severe (81%), however, not preventable (89%).

Conclusion:

The occurrence of cutaneous ADRs is common and they developed within 1 week of therapy. Antimicrobial agents and NSAIDs are the most common implicated drug class. Hence, physicians should closely monitor the patient in the first week while using such therapy for early detection and prevention of cutaneous ADRs.

Current Perspectives on Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are considered a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to drugs. They represent true medical emergencies and an early recognition and appropriate management is decisive for the survival. SJS/TEN manifest with an "influenza-like" prodromal phase (malaise, fever), followed by painful cutaneous and mucous membrane (ocular, oral, and genital) lesions, and other systemic symptoms. The difference between SJS, SJS/TEN overlap, and TEN is defined by the degree of skin detachment: SJS is defined as skin involvement of < 10%, TEN is defined as skin involvement of > 30%, and SJS/TEN overlap as 10-30% skin involvement. The diagnosis of different degrees of epidermal necrolysis is based on the clinical assessment in conjunction with the corresponding histopathology. The mortality rates for SJS and TEN have decreased in the last decades. Today, the severity-of-illness score for toxic epidermal necrolysis (SCORTEN) is available for SJS/TEN severity assessment. Drugs with a high risk of causing SJS/TEN are anti-infective sulfonamides, anti-epileptic drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs of the oxicam type, allopurinol, nevirapine, and chlormezanone. Besides conventional drugs, herbal remedies and new biologicals should be considered as causative agents. The increased risk of hypersensitivity reactions to certain drugs may be linked to specific HLA antigens. Our understanding of the pathogenesis of SJS/TEN has improved: drug-specific T cell-mediated cytotoxicity, genetic linkage with HLA- and non-HLA-genes, TCR restriction, and cytotoxicity mechanisms were clarified. However, many factors contributing to epidermal necrolysis still have to be identified, especially in virus-induced and autoimmune forms of epidermal necrolysis not related to drugs. In SJS/TEN, the most common complications are ocular, cutaneous, or renal. Nasopharyngeal, esophageal, and genital mucosal involvement with blisters, erosions as well as secondary development of strictures also play a role. However, in the acute phase, septicemia is a leading cause of morbidity and fatality. Pulmonary and hepatic involvement is frequent. The acute management of SJS/TEN requires a multidisciplinary approach. Immediate withdrawal of potentially causative drugs is mandatory. Prompt referral to an appropriate medical center for specific supportive treatment is of utmost importance. The most frequently used treatments for SJS/TEN are systemic corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, and cyclosporine A.

Is acetaminophen associated with a risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis? Analysis of the French Pharmacovigilance Database

AIM

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare but severe mostly drug-induced cutaneous reactions. Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter drug used worldwide to treat pain and reduce fever. In 2013, the US Food and Drug Administration informed the public that acetaminophen was associated with a rare risk of SJS/TEN. The aim of the present retrospective study was to analyse reports of acetaminophen as a possible suspect in the development of SJS/TEN from the French Pharmacovigilance Database (FPDB).

METHODS

Cases of TEN/SJS with acetaminophen as a suspect drug registered in the FPDB, collected from January 2002 to December 2013, were analysed by an expert group. The algorithm of drug causality for epidermal necrolysis (ALDEN) was used as a reference tool for SJS/TEN to assess the causality of each suspect drug.

RESULTS

After exclusion of 16 nonvalidated cases, 112 cases (47 TEN, 51 SJS, 14 SJS/TEN overlaps) involving 574 suspected drugs (5⋅1/case) were analysed. In 80 cases, the acetaminophen ALDEN score was inferior or equal to that of other drugs, associated with a higher suspicion for causality. In 32 cases, acetaminophen had the highest score but matched with a 'very unlikely' or 'unlikely' causality in 12 cases. For the 20 remaining cases with a 'possible' or ' probable' causality, a protopathic or a confounding bias was likely in 14 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

After analysis of the French pharmacovigilance data using the ALDEN algorithm, we found no obvious SJS/TEN risk related to the use of acetaminophen in this large national series.

Amoxycillin and clavulanic acid induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome: A case report

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is an immune mediated hypersensitivity reaction. Significant involvement of oral, nasal, eye, vaginal, urethral, GI and lower respiratory tract mucous membrane may develop. It is usually a reaction due to a medication or due to an infection. In 95 % of case reports, drugs were found to be an important cause for the development of SJS. In this case report, a 32 year old female reported chief complaint of itch skin eruptions all over the body along with erosive lesions on tongue, lips, buccal mucosa and genital mucosa. The reaction occurred after administration of augmentin (containing amoxycillin and clavulanic acid). She was treated with antimicrobials, antiallergics and conservative management. The patient improved and was discharged from the hospital. Causality assessment using Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale revealed that amoxycillin and clavulanic acid combination was a possible cause for the adverse reaction with a score of 4.

Severe Delayed Cutaneous and Systemic Reactions to Drugs: A Global Perspective on the Science and Art of Current Practice

Most immune-mediated adverse drug reactions (IM-ADRs) involve the skin, and many have additional systemic features. Severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCARs) are an uncommon, potentially life-threatening, and challenging subgroup of IM-ADRs with diverse clinical phenotypes, mechanisms, and offending drugs. T-cell-mediated immunopathology is central to these severe delayed reactions, but effector cells and cytokines differ by clinical phenotype. Strong HLA-gene associations have been elucidated for specific drug-SCAR IM-ADRs such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis, although the mechanisms by which carriage of a specific HLA allele is necessary but not sufficient for the development of many IM-ADRs is still being defined. SCAR management is complicated by substantial short- and long-term morbidity/mortality and the potential need to treat ongoing comorbid disease with related medications. Multidisciplinary specialist teams at experienced units should care for patients. In the setting of SCAR, patient outcomes as well as preventive, diagnostic, treatment, and management approaches are often not generalizable, but rather context specific, driven by population HLA-genetics, the pharmacology and genetic risk factors of the implicated drug, severity of underlying comorbid disease necessitating ongoing treatments, and cost considerations. In this review, we update the basic and clinical science of SCAR diagnosis and management.

Facial Hyperpigmentation in Skin of Color: Special Considerations and Treatment

Differences in cutaneous diseases in people of color call for nuanced evaluation and management. One of the most common dermatological complaints from patients with skin of color is dyspigmentation, particularly hyperpigmentation. The challenge for clinicians is to establish correct diagnoses along with consistently successful treatments to meet the needs of the increasingly diverse population served. This review focuses on facial hyperpigmentation and outlines the most common skin disorders and treatment options.

Antimicrobial activity of Nigerian medicinal plants

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is currently one of the major threats facing mankind. The emergence and rapid spread of multi- and pan-drug-resistant organisms (such as vancomycin-, methicillin-, extended-spectrum β-lactam-, carbapenem- and colistin-resistant organisms) has put the world in a dilemma. The health and economic burden associated with AMR on a global scale are dreadful. Available antimicrobials have been misused and are almost ineffective with some of these drugs associated with dangerous side effects in some individuals. Development of new, effective, and safe antimicrobials is one of the ways by which AMR burden can be reduced. The rate at which microorganisms develop AMR mechanisms outpaces the rate at which new antimicrobials are being developed. Medicinal plants are potential sources of new antimicrobial molecules. There is renewed interest in antimicrobial activities of phytochemicals. Nigeria boasts of a huge heritage of medicinal plants and there is avalanche of researches that have been undertaken to screen antimicrobial activities of these plants. Scientific compilation of these studies could provide useful information on the antimicrobial properties of the plants. This information can be useful in the development of new antimicrobial drugs. This paper reviews antimicrobial researches that have been undertaken on Nigerian medicinal plants.

Acquired Bilateral Dyspigmentation on Face and Neck: Clinically Appropriate Approaches

Facial dyspigmentation in Asian women often poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Recently, a distinctive bilateral hyperpigmentation of face and neck has occasionally been observed. This study was performed to investigate the clinico-pathological features of this dyspigmentation as well as proper treatment approaches. We retrospectively investigated the medical records including photographs, routine laboratory tests, histopathologic studies of both lesional and peri-lesional normal skin and patch test of thirty-one patients presented acquired bizarre hyperpigmentation on face and neck. The mean age of patients was 52.3 years and the mean duration of dyspigmentation was 24.2 months. In histologic evaluations of lesional skin, a significantly increased liquefactive degeneration of basal layer, pigmentary incontinence and lymphocytic infiltration were noted, whereas epidermal melanin or solar elastosis showed no statistical differences. Among 19 patients managed with a step-by-step approach, seven improved with using only topical anti-inflammatory agents and moisturizer, and 12 patients gained clinical benefit after laser therapy without clinical aggravation. Both clinical and histopathologic findings of the cases suggest a distinctive acquired hyperpigmentary disorder related with subclinical inflammation. Proper step-by-step evaluation and management of underlying subclinical inflammation would provide clinical benefit.

Phenytoin-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis: Review and recommendations

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a serious, life-threatening skin reaction characterized by severe exfoliation and destruction of the epidermis of the skin. In most TEN cases, drugs are believed to be the causative agent; antipsychotics, antiepileptics, and other medications such as sulfonamides are among the most common causes of drug-induced TEN. Phenytoin, a commonly prescribed medication for seizure, was found to cause TEN. Evidence-based treatment guidelines are lacking, so the best strategy is to identify and avoid potential risk factors and to provide intensive supportive care. The aim of this literature review is to focus on phenytoin-induced TEN, to explore the risk factors, and to highlight the possible treatment options once phenytoin-induced TEN is confirmed.

Quality of life in patients with vitiligo: a cross-sectional study based on Vitiligo Quality of Life index (VitiQoL)

BACKGROUND

Vitiligo is a multi-factorial pigmentary skin disorder. Recently, the importance of emotional and psychological issues is proposed in incidence, progression, relapse and remission of vitiligo. There are limited studies conducted in developing countries, which assess life quality of patients with vitiligo. The aim of this study was the application and evaluation of a disease-specific quality of life index in Iranian patients, for the first time.

METHODS

This cross-sectional biphasic study was conducted on 25 patients as a pilot and another 173 patients as the main study group, in Razi Hospital, Tehran, Iran, 2013-2014. Persian version of Vitiligo Quality of Life index (VitiQoL) was developed with backward-forward method. Based on the pilot study, the validity and reliability were assessed. The Vitiligo Area and Score Index (VASI), VitiQoL, and their relationship, demographic and clinical characteristic of patients were measured.

RESULTS

The Mean and standard deviation of the VitiQoL score was 30.5 ± 14.5 (range 0-60 in Persian version). There was a significant relationship between VASI score and VitiQoL (p = 0.015, r = 0.187). Confirmatory factor analysis revealed three important factors within VitiQoL: participation limitation, stigma, and behavior. In subscale analysis based on behavior factor, female patients had poorer quality of life (p = 0.02). Concomitant psychiatric problems, e.g. anxiety and depression, were not associated with QOL; however, they were near to being meaningful (p = 0.06, r = 0.14).

CONCLUSION

VitiQoL is a valid index in estimating life quality of vitiligo patients and has proper relation to disease severity. Focusing on patient's life quality is an important entity in the management of vitiligo patients; relevant supportive group-based consultations and therapies are also important arms when approaching vitiligo.