Frequency of Recurrence of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Conditions that mimic SJS or TEN may be the true diagnosis when recurrences are frequent.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are severe cutaneous adverse reactions that are associated with potential mortality and morbidity. These diseases are often but not always linked to drug intake. It is generally believed that if the offending drug or one of its close relatives is avoided, recurrence is unlikely. Generalized bullous fixed drug eruption (GBFDE) may mimic SJS/TEN (NEJM JW Dermatol May 10 2013; Br J Dermatol 2013; 168:726), but its pathogenesis is suggested to differ (J Am Acad Dermatol 2014; 70:539). Fixed drug eruptions are known to recur frequently.

These authors followed enrollees in a population-based cohort study hospitalized for a first episode of SJS or TEN between April 2002 and March 2…

Reviewing Author

Jeffrey P. Callen, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board XOMA; Eli Lilly; Celgene

Equity Various trust accounts

Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societies Association of Professors of Dermatology (President-Elect)