Bloodstream Infections in Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Clinicians should be alert for dangerous infections in patients with these serious conditions.

The distinction between Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is unclear, but one classification system distinguishes them by the extent of detached skin per body surface area: TEN, >30%; SJS, <10%; and SJS/TEN overlap, 10%–30%. Disrupted skin and mucous membranes in these disorders predispose the patient to infections, which are the commonest cause of death. The authors of this 11-year, retrospective French study in adults examined bloodstream infections (BSIs) in 53 cases of SJS, 66 cases of TEN, and 60 cases of SJS/TEN overlap.

Twenty-four percent of the patients were admitted to the intensive care unit. The overall mortality rate was 13.4%. BSIs developed in 48 patients (26.8%), primarily Staphylococcus aure…

Reviewing Author

Jan V. Hirschmann, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Jan V. Hirschmann, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Bloodstream Infections in Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

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Reviewing Author