Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS): effectiveness of corticosteroids in management and recurrent SJS

Allergy Proc. 1992 Mar-Apr;13(2):89-95. doi: 10.2500/108854192778878926.

Abstract

To confirm that corticosteroids are beneficial in the treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), 15 patients with the syndrome were evaluated by the same group of physicians over 2 years. All patients had cutaneous and most had mucosal lesions. Patients were treated with corticosteroids ranging from prednisone 40 mg daily to methylprednisolone 750 mg daily. The same group of physicians participated in the management of these patients until recovery. No deaths occurred among the 15 patients. Recovery was complete in all cases, and there was no residual skin, mucosal, or visceral damage except for minimal scarring in one patient. In some cases, reversal of disease after onset of corticosteroid therapy was sufficiently dramatic to demonstrate a benefit. The use of corticosteroids in the treatment of SJS remains controversial. We conclude that corticosteroids are beneficial in treatment of the syndrome. They may be lifesaving in some patients and should be the standard of therapy. SJS should be considered to be erythema multiforme with either bullous lesions or visceral involvement or both.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / adverse effects
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Recurrence
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / pathology

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones