On the Horizon: Test to Predict Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

A rapid immunochromatographic test for serum granulysin shows promise in a small study.

Drug reactions that manifest early in the course of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) may resemble non–life-threatening drug eruptions before rapidly progressing to a life-threatening state. Because intervention may alter the course of SJS/TEN, it would be useful to predict which patients' conditions might worsen. The membrane-disrupting protein granulysin is found in the blisters of SJS/TEN patients and, along with Fas ligand, is elevated in the serum of such patients. Because the results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) are not immediately available, an immunochromatographic test that correlates well with ELISA was developed.

Investigators in Japan compared serum granulysin in patients with SJ…

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)