3-year-old boy presented four days after development of new, worsening rash
Past medical history of myoclonic epilepsy on valproic acid for six months and lamotrigine for two weeks
Exam Findings
Figure 1: Skin: progressive, widespread, confluent macules that are beginning to blister.Figure 2: Ocular: copious mucous on lids, conjunctival injection, chemosis, no symblepharon or pseudomembranes, epithelium defect OS.
Hypersensitivity complex against skin and mucous membranes
Synthesis of genetic and innate immune mechanisms leading to apoptotic keratinocyte cell death and secondary epidermal necrosis
Causes include pharmacologic, vaccinations, infections, chemical exposures, natural/herbal medicines
Treatment
Aggressive topical lubrication
Discontinue offending agent
Topical steroids
Topical antibiotics
PROKERA
Amniotic membrane graft
Prognosis and Future Directions
The three main goals of management in acute Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis are to:
Control acute inflammatory reaction
Restore intact ocular surface
Prevent long-term sequelae
If the acute phase is treated aggressively and early, progression to the chronic phase can be prevented or limited. Compared to the acute phase, the management tools for the chronic phase are much less efficacious.
One of the mainstays for management in the aggressive phase is use of amniotic membranes. Recently, the first randomized controlled trial on amniotic membrane transplantation with medical therapy vs. medical therapy alone was conducted and showed significant relative improvement with use of amniotic membrane. (Sharma et al. Adjuvant Role of Amniotic Membrane Transplantation in Acute Ocular Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: A Randomized Control Trial. Ophthalmology. 2016 Mar;123(3):484-91.)
References
Chang YS, Huang FC, Tseng SH, et al. Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis: acute ocular manifestations, causes, and management. Cornea 2007 Feb;26(2):123-129.
Sekula P, Dunant A, Mockenhaupt M, et al. Comprehensive survival analysis of a cohort of patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. J Invest Dermatol 2013 May;133(5):1197-1204.
Kim KH, Park SW, Kim MK, Wee WR. Effect of age and early intervention with a systemic steroid, intravenous immunoglobulin or amniotic membrane transplantation on the ocular outcomes of patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Korean J Ophthalmol 2013 Oct;27(5):331-340.
Raucci U, Rossi R, Da Cas R, et al. Stevens-Johnson syndrome associated with drugs and vaccines in children: a case-control study. PLoS One. 2013 Jul 16;8(7):e68231.
Sotozono C, Ueta M, Koizumi N, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis with ocular complications. Ophthalmology 2009;116:685-690.
Solomon A, Ellies P, Anderson DF, et al. Long-term outcome of keratolimbal allograft with or without penetrating keratoplasty for total limbal stem cell deficiency. Ophthalmology. 2002 Jun;109(6):1159-1166.
Sharma N, Thenarasun SA, Kaur M, et al. Adjuvant Role of Amniotic Membrane Transplantation in Acute Ocular Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: A Randomized Control Trial. Ophthalmology. 2016 Mar;123(3):484-91.
Due to ongoing developments with COVID-19, we are only able to see patients with urgent eye problems at this time. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 323-442-6335.