Causative Drugs and Clinical Outcome in Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), and SJS-TEN Overlap in Children

BACKGROUND: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are the most severe adverse drug reactions in children. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to study the causative drugs and outcome in children with SJS, SJS-TEN overlap, and TEN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all the in-patient records of children below 18 years of age with the diagnosis of SJS, SJS-TEN overlap, and TEN was carried out. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Twenty children were identified, eight patients each were diagnosed as SJS and TEN and four as SJS-TEN overlap. Multiple drugs were implicated in 15 cases while single drug was responsible in 5 cases. Antibiotics (40.7%) were implicated as the commonest cause followed by NSAIDS (25.9%) and anticonvulsants (7.4%). Seventeen patients recovered completely and three patients died.