Severe cutaneous adverse reactions: acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Thomas Harr; Lars E French

doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2010.04.004

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions: acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Med Clin North Am. 2010 Jul;94(4):727-42, x. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2010.04.004.

Authors

Thomas Harr¹, Lars E French

Affiliation

¹ Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, Gloriastrasse 31, Zurich 8031, Switzerland. thomas.harr@usz.ch

PMID: 20609860
DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2010.04.004

Abstract

Most drug hypersensitivity reactions show skin symptoms. The most severe cutaneous manifestations include pustular and bullous skin eruptions. These 2 manifestations can lead to acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. These complications are rare, but should be known to any doctor prescribing drugs because they are life threatening and early stoppage of treatment is mandatory.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis / chemically induced*
Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis / diagnosis
Diagnosis, Differential
Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
Humans
Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use
Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use
Prescription Drugs / adverse effects*
Prognosis
Risk Factors
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / chemically induced*
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / diagnosis*
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / drug therapy
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / etiology

Substances

Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
Immunologic Factors
Prescription Drugs