Pediatric SJS-TEN: Where are we now?

Abstract

Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are rare severe blistering skin reactions triggered by medications or infections. Over the last 5 to 10 years, a number of important publications have advanced understanding of these diseases and their response to treatment. Importantly, a subset of patients with disease triggered by infection has been identified as having Mycoplasma pneumoniae-induced rash and mucositis, suggesting a reconsideration of the diagnostic paradigm. We present an update on pediatric Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis in the broader context of cutaneous adverse drug reactions and focus on challenges and recent advances in diagnosis, management, and prevention.

Keywords: DEN; RIME; SJS; Stevens-Johnson syndrome; TEN; drug eruption; drug reaction; drug-induced epidermal necrolysis; reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruption; severe cutaneous drug reaction; toxic epidermal necrolysis.