The most severe allergic reaction is Stevens-Johnson syndrome: what is it and how to treat the disease. stevens johnson syndrome johnson allergy

Diseases of the skin and integument can be extremely dangerous and be accompanied by unpleasant consequences in the form of others and death. To prevent this from happening, timely diagnosis of each ailment and fast qualified assistance are important. One of these phenomena is Stevens-Johnson syndrome, photo which is presented in the article. This disease is striking and difficult to treat, especially in the later stages. Consider the features of its clinical course and methods of therapeutic intervention in order to troubleshoot and improve the body.

What is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

The disease Stevens-Johnson syndrome (ICD code 10) is a dangerous toxic form of the disease, characterized by the death of epidermal cells and their subsequent separation from the dermis. The course of these processes entails the formation in the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, genitals and some other areas of the skin vesicles - the main symptoms of the disease. If this happens in the mouth, it becomes difficult for a sick person to eat and it hurts to close his mouth. If the disease has affected the eyes, they become excessively sick, covered with swelling and pus, which leads to sticking of the eyelids.

With the defeat of the disease of the genital organs, there are difficulties in urination.

The picture is accompanied by a sudden start of the progression of the disease, when a person has a fever, a sore throat, and a feverish condition may occur. Due to the similarity of the disease with the common cold, diagnosis at the initial stage is difficult. most often occurs on the lips, tongue, palate, pharynx, arch, larynx, genitals. If the formations are opened, non-healing erosions will remain, from which blood oozes. When they merge, they turn into a bleeding area, and part of the erosion provokes fibrous plaque, which worsens the patient's appearance and aggravates well-being.


Syndrome of Lyell and Stevens Johnson difference

Both phenomena are characterized by the fact that the skin and mucous membranes are noticeably damaged, and soreness, erythema, and detachment are also formed. Since the disease entails noticeable lesions in the internal organs, the patient can "finish" fatally. Both syndromes are related by classification to the most severe forms of ailments, however, they can be provoked by various factors and causes.

  • In terms of the frequency of the disease, Lyell's syndrome accounts for up to 1.2 situations per 1,000,000 people per year, and for the disease in question - up to 6 cases per 1,000,000 people over the same period.
  • There are also differences in the causes of defeat. SJS occurs in half of the situations due to medication, but there are situations in which the identification of the cause is impossible. SL in 80% is manifested against the background of drugs, and in 5% of cases there are no measures for treatment. Other causes include chemical compounds, pneumonia and viral infectious processes.
  • The localization of the lesion also suggests several differences between the two types of syndromes. Erythema is formed in the area of ​​the face and limbs, after a few days the formation acquires a confluent character. With SJS, a lesion appears predominantly on the trunk and face, and in the second disease, a lesion of the general type is observed.
  • The general symptoms of ailments converge and are accompanied by fever, fever, and the onset of pain. But with SL, this indicator always rises after the mark of 38 degrees. There is also an increase in the patient's state of anxiety and a feeling of severe pain. Kidney failure is the backdrop for all these ailments.

There are still no clear definitions of these ailments, many attribute Stevens-Johnson syndrome, the photo of which is presented in the article, to a severe form of polymorphic erythema, while the second disease is preferred to be considered the most complicated form of SJS. Both ailments in development can start with the formation of erythema in the iris, but with SL, the spread of the phenomenon occurs much faster, resulting in necrosis and exfoliation of the epidermis. With SJS, the peeling of the layers occurs on less than 10% of the body cover, in the second case - on 30%. In general, both ailments are similar, but also different, it all depends on the characteristics of their manifestation and general indicators of symptoms.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome causes

Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a photo of which can be seen in the article, is represented by an acute bullous lesion in the area of ​​the skin and mucous membranes, while the phenomenon is of an allergic origin and of a special nature. The disease proceeds as part of the deterioration of the condition of a sick person, while the oral mucosa, together with the genitals and urinary system, are gradually involved in this process.

Common causes of the disease

The development of SJS is usually preceded by an immediate allergy. There are 4 types of factors that influence the onset of the development of the disease.

  • Agents of an infectious type that affect organs and aggravate the general course of the disease;
  • Taking certain groups of drugs that provoke the presence of this disease in children;
  • Malignant phenomena - tumors and neoplasms of a benign type, which have a special nature;
  • Causes that cannot be established due to insufficient medical information.

In children, the phenomenon occurs as a consequence of viral diseases, while it has a different nature and is clearly due to the use of medical agents or the presence of malignant tumors and phenomena. As for small children, a large number of phenomena act as provoking factors.

  • Herpes;
  • hepatitis;
  • measles;
  • flu;
  • chickenpox;
  • bacteria;
  • fungi.

If we consider the effect of drugs on the children's body, we can assign the role of antibiotics and non-steroidal drugs directed against the inflammatory process. If we consider the influence of malignant tumors, we can single out the leadership of carcinoma. If none of these factors is related to the course of the disease, we are talking about SJS.

Information detail

The first information about the syndromes was covered in 1992, over time, the disease became described in more detail and equipped with a name in honor of the names of the authors who deeply studied and learned its nature. The disease is extremely severe and is another name is malignant exudative erythema. The disease is related to bullous-type dermatitis - along with SLE,. The main clinical course is that blisters appear on the skin and mucous membranes.

If we consider the prevalence of the disease, it can be noted that it can be encountered at any age, usually the disease is clearly manifested at 5-6 years. But it is extremely rare to meet the disease in the first three years of a baby's life. Many research authors have found that the highest incidence is present among the male audience of the population, which includes them in the risk group. which can be seen in the article, is also accompanied by a number of other symptoms.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome symptoms photo

SJS is a disease characterized by an acute course of onset and a rapid development in terms of symptoms.

  • Initially, malaise and an increase in body temperature can be distinguished.
  • Then acute pain sensations appear in the head region, accompanied by arthralgia, tachycardia and muscle ailments.
  • Most patients complain of sore throat, vomiting and diarrhea.
  • The patient may suffer from bouts of coughing, vomiting, and blistering.

  • After opening the formations, extensive defects can be found that are covered with white or yellow films or crusts.

  • The pathological process involves reddening of the lip border.

  • Due to severe pain, patients find it difficult to drink and eat.

  • There is a serious allergic conjunctivitis, complicated by inflammatory processes of a purulent type.

  • For some diseases, including SJS, the occurrence of erosions and ulcers in the conjunctiva is characteristic. Keratitis, blepharitis may occur.
  • The organs of the genitourinary system, namely their mucous membranes, are noticeably affected. This phenomenon strikes in 50% of situations, the symptoms pass in the form of urethritis, vaginitis.
  • The skin lesion appears as an impressively large group of raised, blister-like masses. All of them have a purple color and can reach dimensional indicators of 3-5 cm.

  • Toxic epidermal necrolysis can affect many organs and systems. Often leading to sad consequences and death.

The period in which new rashes form lasts several weeks, and it takes 1-1.5 months for the full healing of ulcers. The disease can be complicated by the fact that blood oozes from the bladder, as well as colitis, pneumonia, and kidney failure. In the course of these complications, about 10% of sick people die, the rest manage to cure the disease and begin to lead a full-fledged habitual rhythm of life.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome treatment in children scheme

Clinical recommendations suggest the rapid elimination of the disease through a preliminary study of its nature. Before treatment is prescribed, a certain diagnostic complex is carried out. It involves a detailed examination of the patient, an immunological examination of the blood, a biopsy of the skin. If there are certain indications, the doctor will definitely prescribe a complete x-ray of the lungs and ultrasound of the genitourinary system, kidneys and biochemistry.

Therapeutic measures

The disease Stevens-Johnson syndrome, the photo of which can be assessed in the article, is a serious ailment that requires appropriate intervention by a specialist. Systematic procedures involve taking measures aimed at reducing or eliminating intoxication, removing the inflammatory process and improving the condition of the affected skin. If there are chronic missed situations, drugs of special action may be prescribed.

  • Corticosteroids - to prevent relapses;
  • desensitizing agents;
  • drugs to eliminate toxicosis.

Many believe that it is necessary to prescribe vitamin treatment - in particular, the use of ascorbic acid and group B drugs, but this is a delusion, since the use of these drugs can provoke a deterioration in general health. overcome

Stevens-Johnson syndrome / toxic epidermal necrolysis - epidermolytic drug reactions (EPR) - acute severe allergic reactions characterized by extensive lesions of the skin and mucous membranes, induced by the use of drugs.

Etiology and epidemiology

Most often, Stevens-Johnson syndrome develops when taking medications, but in some cases the cause of the disease cannot be found out. Among the drugs that are more likely to develop Stevens-Johnson syndrome, there are: sulfonamides, allopurinol, phenytonin, carbamazepine, phenibutazole, piroxicam, chlormazanone, penicillins. Less often, the development of the syndrome is facilitated by the use of cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, vancomycin, rifampicin, ethambutol, tenoxicam, thiaprofenic acid, diclofenac, sulindac, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen, thiabendazole.

The incidence of ELR is estimated at 1–6 cases per million people. ELR can occur at any age, the risk of developing diseases increases in people over the age of 40, in HIV-positive people (1000 times), patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and oncological diseases. The older the patient, the more serious the concomitant disease, and the more extensive the skin lesion, the worse the prognosis of the disease. Mortality from ELR is 5–12%.

Diseases are characterized by a latent period between taking the drug and the development of the clinical picture (from 2 to 8 weeks), which is necessary for the formation of an immune response. The pathogenesis of ELR is associated with massive death of basal keratinocytes in the skin and mucosal epithelium caused by Fas-induced and perforin/granzyme-mediated cell apoptosis. Programmed cell death occurs as a result of immune-mediated inflammation, in which cytotoxic T cells play an important role.

Classification

Depending on the area of ​​the affected skin, the following forms of ELR are distinguished:

  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SSD) - less than 10% of the body surface;
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN, Lyell's syndrome) - more than 30% of the body surface;
  • intermediate form of SJS / TEN (10-30% of the skin is affected).

symptoms with

In Stevens-Johnson syndrome, there is damage to the mucous membranes of at least two organs, the area of ​​the lesion reaches no more than 10% of the entire skin.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome develops acutely, damage to the skin and mucous membranes is accompanied by severe general disorders:
high body temperature (38 ... 40 ° C), headache, coma, dyspeptic symptoms, etc. Rashes are localized mainly on the skin of the face and trunk. The clinical picture is characterized by the appearance of multiple polymorphic rashes in the form of purple-red spots with a bluish tinge, papules, vesicles, and target-like foci. Very quickly (within a few hours) bubbles form in these places up to the size of an adult's palm and more; merging, they can reach gigantic sizes. Limes of blisters are relatively easily destroyed (positive symptom of Nikolsky), forming extensive bright red eroded weeping surfaces, bordered by fragments of blisters tires ("epidermal collar").

Sometimes rounded dark red spots with a hemorrhagic component appear on the skin of the palms and feet.

The most severe lesion is observed on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, nose, genital organs, the skin of the red border of the lips and in the perianal region, where blisters appear, which quickly open, exposing extensive, sharply painful erosions covered with a grayish fibrinous coating. On the red border of the lips, thick brown-brown hemorrhagic crusts often form. If the eyes are affected, blepharoconjunctivitis is observed, there is a risk of developing corneal ulcers and uveitis. Patients refuse to eat, complain of pain, burning, hypersensitivity when swallowing, paresthesia, photophobia, painful urination.

Diagnosis with Stevens-Johnson/Lyell syndrome

The diagnosis of Stevens-Johnson syndrome is based on the results of the anamnesis of the disease and the characteristic clinical picture.
When conducting a clinical blood test, anemia, lymphopenia, eosinophilia (rarely) are detected; neutropenia is an unfavorable prognostic sign.

If necessary, a histological examination of the skin biopsy is performed. Histological examination reveals necrosis of all layers of the epidermis, the formation of a gap above the basement membrane, detachment of the epidermis, and the inflammatory infiltration in the dermis is insignificant or absent.

Differential Diagnosis

Stevens-Johnson syndrome should be differentiated from pemphigus vulgaris, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell's syndrome), which is characterized by epidermal detachment of more than 30% of the body surface; graft-versus-host disease, erythema multiforme exudative, scarlet fever, thermal burn, phototoxic reaction, exfoliative erythroderma, fixed toxidermia.







Treatment with

Treatment Goals

  • improvement of the general condition of the patient;
  • regression of rashes;
  • prevention of the development of systemic complications and relapses of the disease.

General notes on therapy

Treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome is carried out by a dermatovenereologist, therapy for more severe forms of ELR is carried out by other specialists, a dermatovenereologist is involved as a consultant.

If an epidermolytic drug reaction is detected, the doctor, regardless of his specialization, is obliged to provide the patient with emergency medical care and ensure his transportation to the burn center (department) or to the intensive care unit.


Immediate discontinuation of the drug that provoked the development of ELR increases survival with a short half-life. In doubtful cases, all non-essential drugs should be discontinued, and especially those started within the last 8 weeks.

It is necessary to take into account the unfavorable prognostic factors for the course of ELR:

  • Age > 40 years - 1 point.
  • Heart rate > 120 per minute - 1 point.
  • Lesion > 10% of the skin surface - 1 point.
  • Malignant neoplasms (including history) - 1 point.
  • In a biochemical blood test:
  • glucose level > 14 mmol/l - 1 point;
  • urea level > 10 mmol/l - 1 point;
  • bicarbonates< 20 ммоль/л – 1 балл.

Probability of death: 0-1 points (3%), 2 points (12%), 3 points (36%), 4 points (58%), >5 points (90%).

Indications for hospitalization

Established diagnosis of Stevens-Johnson syndrome / toxic epidermal necrolysis.

treatment regimens with Stevens-Johnson/Lyell syndrome

Systemic therapy

Glucocorticosteroid drugs of systemic action:

  • prednisolone 90–150 mg
  • dexamethasone 12–20 mg


Infusion therapy (alternation of various schemes is acceptable):

  • potassium chloride + sodium chloride + magnesium chloride 400.0 ml
  • sodium chloride 0.9% 400 ml
  • calcium gluconate 10% 10 ml
  • sodium thiosulfate 30% 10 ml

It is also justified to carry out procedures of hemosorption, plasmapheresis.

In the event of infectious complications, antibacterial drugs are prescribed, taking into account the isolated pathogen, its sensitivity to antibacterial drugs and the severity of clinical manifestations.

External Therapy

It consists in careful care and treatment of the skin by cleansing, removing necrotic tissue. Extensive and aggressive excision of the necrotic epidermis should not be undertaken because superficial necrosis is not a barrier to re-epithelialization and may accelerate stem cell proliferation via inflammatory cytokines.

For external therapy, solutions of antiseptic preparations are used: hydrogen peroxide solution 1%, chlorhexidine solution 0.06%, potassium permanganate solution.


For the treatment of erosion, wound dressings, aniline dyes are used: methylene blue, fukortsin, brilliant green.

In case of damage to the eyes, an ophthalmologist's consultation is required. It is not recommended to use eye drops with antibacterial drugs due to the frequent development of the "dry eye" syndrome. It is advisable to use eye drops with glucocorticosteroid drugs (dexamethasone), artificial tears. Requires mechanical destruction of early synechiae in case of their formation.

If the oral mucosa is affected, rinse several times a day with antiseptic (chlorhexidine, miramistin) or antifungal (clotrimazole) solutions.

Special situations

Treatment of children withStevens-Johnson/Lyell syndrome

Requires intensive interdisciplinary interaction of pediatricians, dermatologists, ophthalmologists, surgeons:

  • control of fluid balance, electrolytes, temperature and blood pressure;
  • aseptic opening of still elastic bubbles (the tire is left in place);
  • microbiological monitoring of lesions on the skin and mucous membranes;
  • eye and oral care;
  • antiseptic measures, for the treatment of erosion in children, aniline dyes without alcohol are used: methylene blue, brilliant green;
  • non-adhesive wound dressings;
  • placing the patient on a special mattress;
  • adequate analgesic therapy;
  • careful therapeutic exercises to prevent contractures.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a chronic disease characterized by hyperemia and rashes on the skin and mucous membranes.

This pathological condition has several clinical manifestations. That is why in different sources it can be called differently.

In order to learn how to cope with the problem, you need to know what can provoke its occurrence.

According to the statistics of the World Health Organization, this painful condition most often occurs in childhood from 3 to 14 years old, as a complication of the underlying disease. Until the age of 3, only isolated cases are recorded, but the pathology in an infant is especially difficult.

The causes of the appearance of Stevens-Johnson syndrome in children include.

  1. Viral infection (herpes, hepatitis, measles, chicken pox, mumps, influenza).
  2. Bacterial infection (tuberculosis, piroplasmosis, salmonellosis).
  3. Infection caused by a fungus (candidiasis, coccidiosis, trichophytosis).
  4. Drug allergy caused by taking antibiotics, vitamins, hormonal drugs.

In more mature age, the main cause is severe immunodeficiency, which can be caused by the following diseases.

  1. Oncological diseases of the skin, lymph nodes.
  2. HIV infections.
  3. Severe form of tuberculosis.
  4. Severe forms of allergies (Quincke's edema, dermatitis, eczema).

It is very difficult to establish a diagnosis in a timely manner. This is due to the fact that in the initial stage the pathological process is hidden under the guise of many diseases.

These include:

  • SARS;
  • allergic dermatitis;
  • erythema of various forms and locations.

However, after 5-7 weeks, true symptoms appear, which make it possible to unambiguously say that this is this pathology.

There are certain stages in the development of a painful condition in Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
The clinical picture at the beginning of the development of Stevens-Johnson syndrome consists of flu-like symptoms, namely:

  • severe pain all over the body;
  • general weakness;
  • ailments;
  • sore throat;
  • high fever with periods of fever.

In severe cases, the patient complains of cough, catarrhal discharge from the nose, diarrhea. It starts suddenly, without any prerequisites.

After 2 - 3 days, the first elements of rashes appear on the skin, after which the temperature drops as sharply as it appears:

  • initially these are single bubbles, up to 2 centimeters in diameter;
  • then they rapidly diverge over the entire surface of the skin and mucous membranes of the internal organs.

On the 4th - 6th day after the onset of the disease, the clinical picture depends on the location of the blistering rashes, their number, and size. You can most clearly see the manifestations of Stevens-Johnson syndrome in the photo.

Damage to the mucous membrane of the eyes is characteristic of the disease:

  • there is a sensation of a foreign body in the eye;
  • then the conjunctiva becomes covered with small blistering rashes;
  • there is a sharp pain when blinking, purulent discharge from the eyes appears.

Untimely treatment inevitably leads to damage to the outer shell of the eye, the cornea. The formation of blisters on the mucous membrane of the mouth or nasopharynx leads to the fact that the patient cannot eat. Rashes are very similar to the manifestation of stomatitis. However, with Stevens-Johnson disease, not only the oral cavity is affected, but also the lips.

If the process extends to more than two internal organs, then the disease is called exudative erythema multiforme.

It is especially difficult to diagnose damage to the mucous membrane of the urethra, vagina, nose. This is due to the fact that it is practically impossible to see the rash visually.

This pathological condition can be treated only by general methods, without the use of ointments and creams.

After opening the bubbles, they begin to dry. Then comes the recovery period. The main thing at this stage is to avoid scratching, as well as the addition of a secondary infection.

Lyell's syndrome has a similar clinical picture. Lyell and Stevens-Johnson syndrome can be distinguished using differential diagnosis. The main difference is that with Lyell's syndrome, the skin looks like after a burn with hot water.

Timely treatment plays a special role in the successful outcome of the disease. In Russia, about 10% of cases of this pathology are fatal, and another 30-40% of cases of the transition of the disease to malignant exudative erythema.

Initially, it is necessary to cure the underlying problem that provoked the appearance of a painful skin condition. Only then can you fight Stevens-Johnson disease.

Drugs used for treatment, the principle of their action.

An acute bullous lesion of the mucous membranes and skin of an allergic nature is called Stevens-Johnson syndrome. The disease affects the genitourinary organs, eyes, oral mucosa. Data on the syndrome were first published in 1922, over time it was named after the authors who described it. Dermatology classifies Stevens-Johnson syndrome as bullous dermatitis.

In medicine, Stevens-Johnson syndrome is often called malignant exudative erythema. The causes of this disease may be the following:

  • Medications such as antibiotics, vitamins, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins, topical anesthetics, and other drugs.
  • Pathogenic bacteria and other infectious agents.
  • Some cancers, such as lymphomas or carcinomas.
  • Unknown reasons.

Despite the presence of some ideas about the etiology of this form of an allergic reaction, its pathogenesis is not fully understood. Medical staff only know that when this syndrome appears, allergic activity sharply increases, which becomes aggressive towards the body's own structures, in this case, the skin.

Pathology develops rapidly, but the first symptoms are quite diverse. They include general malaise, a sharp increase in body temperature up to 40 ° C, headaches, heart palpitations, pain in the joints and muscles. But there may also be sore throat, coughing, vomiting or diarrhea.

When several hours to a day pass from the onset of the disease, changes appear on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity and organs of the genitourinary system. Large blisters form in the mouth, which after a while open up and instead of them there are large wounds with a film of a white-gray or yellow tint or a crust of gore. All this greatly prevents the patient from speaking and does not allow him to drink and eat normally.

As for the organs of the genitourinary system, their defeat with its symptoms resembles urethritis, balanoposthitis, vulvitis or vaginitis. And if erosions and ulcers on the urethral mucosa begin to scar, there is a risk of strictures.

Skin lesions are the appearance of a large number of round, blister-like, rash elements of a bright purple hue, located mainly on the trunk and in the perineum. Their sizes can reach 5 cm, and their feature is that in the center of such an element there are serous or bloody blisters. When the blisters open, red wounds remain in their place, which eventually become covered with crusts.

Before the eyes, Stevens-Johnson syndrome appears initially as allergic conjunctivitis, which is often complicated by secondary infection and purulent inflammation. Small erosions and ulcers appear in the conjunctiva and cornea of ​​the eye. Sometimes the iris is also affected, blepharitis, iridocyclitis, or even keratitis develops.

New elements of the rash appear about 2-3 weeks, and the healing of ulcers after them occurs within one and a half months. The patient's condition may worsen due to frequent complications, such as:

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a very serious illness from a systematic delayed-type allergic reaction that proceeds as erythema multiforme exudative, affecting the mucous membrane of two organs least of all, maybe more.

The causes of Steven Johnson syndrome can be divided into subgroups:

  • medical preparations. An acute allergic reaction occurs when a drug enters the body. The main groups that cause Steven Johnson's syndrome are penicillin antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sulfonamides, vitamins, barbiturates, heroin;
  • infections. In this case, the infectious-allergic form of Steven Johnson's syndrome is fixed. Allergens are: viruses, mycoplasmas, bacteria;
  • oncological diseases;
  • idiopathic form Stevens Johnson syndrome. In such a situation, clear causes cannot be determined.

Steven Johnson syndrome appears at a young age of 20 to 40 years, but there are times when such a disease is diagnosed in newborns. More often men are ill than women.

The first symptoms affect the infection of the upper respiratory tract. The initial prodromal period is extended to two weeks and is systematized by fever, severe weakness, cough, and headaches appear. In rare cases, vomiting, diarrhea is caused.

The skin and mucous membranes of the mouth in children and adults are affected instantly within five days, the location can be anything, but most often there is a rash on the elbows, knees, face, organs of the reproductive system and all mucous membranes.

With Steven Johnson syndrome, edematous, compacted papules of a dark pink color appear, round in shape, the diameter of which is from one to six centimeters. There are two zones: internal and external. The internal one is characterized by a grayish-blue color, in the middle a bubble appears inside which contains a serous fluid. The outer appears in red.

In the oral cavity, on the lips, cheeks in children and adults, Stevens-John syndrome is manifested by broken erythema, blisters, erosive areas of a yellowish-gray color. When the blisters open, bleeding wounds form; lips, gums swell, hurt, covered with hemorrhagic crusts. The rash on all parts of the skin is felt by burning, itching.

In the urine, the excretory system affects the mucous membranes and is manifested by bleeding from the urinary excretory tract, a complication of the urethra in men, and in girls, vulvovaginitis is manifested. The eyes are also affected, in which case blepharoconjunctivitis progresses, which often leads to complete blindness. Rarely, but possible development of colitis, proctitis.

There are also common symptoms: fever, headaches and joint pain. Malignant exudative erythema develops in people over forty years of age, acute and very rapid course, heart contractions become frequent, hyperglycemia. Symptoms in case of damage to internal organs, namely their mucous membranes, are manifested in the form of stenosis of the esophagus.

The final lethal outcome in Steven Johnson syndrome is noted in ten percent. Complete loss of vision after severe keratitis caused by Steven John syndrome occurs in five to ten patients.

Erythema multiforme exudative is diagnosed together with Lyell's syndrome. It is held between them. In both diseases, the primary lesions are similar. They may also be similar to systemic vasculitis.

Video: The terrible reality of Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Stevens Johnson syndrome begins to be diagnosed with anamnesis. To do this, the doctor asks the patient questions, for example: “Have you suffered from allergic diseases before, and which ones? What symptoms were they and their causes?”, “Did the patient try to treat this disease on his own and by what methods: medication or folk remedies?”, As well as other similar questions.

At the beginning of the diagnosis, the doctor examines the skin and mucous membranes throughout the body and notes changes, characterizes the rash that has appeared. Views the placement, the appearance of minor skin neoplasms. The doctor looks at whether there is shortness of breath, the state of blood pressure, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, in the urine excretory system.

During an objective examination, heart rate, blood pressure, temperature are measured, lymph nodes and the abdominal cavity are pulped.

After all this, laboratory tests are carried out. Every day you need to donate blood for a detailed general analysis, it is given until the patient's condition is stable. A coagulogram is carried out, a general urine test is also taken daily, samples of the affected skin and mucous membranes are taken. A biochemical blood test is also carried out.

In general, the patient turns to an allergist or dermatologist, but in case of damage to individual internal organs, one should contact doctors with a narrow subject.

Video: Symptoms of erythema multiforme exudative

Erythema multiforme exudative requires first pre-hospital care. At the beginning of the development of this disease, a lot of fluid is lost, to stop this condition, peripheral vein catheterization is performed, and saline solutions are used for this, in a volume of one to two liters.

Corticosteroids are administered in the form of injections: intravenous prednisone. This is a hormonal drug and may not be very effective in this case. It is necessary to carry out artificial ventilation of the lungs.

Treatment is mainly carried out in a hospital.

First of all, corticosteroids are used. They are very strong and stop the allergic reaction from expanding further. In most cases, they are administered in the form of injections, they begin to act faster. Corticosteroids are examples: prednisolone, dexamethasone. In combination with them, electrolyte solutions are prescribed. It is desirable to administer them in the form of droppers, the medicine is administered in this way.

Dubin John syndrome affects a very large area of ​​the skin and as a result of this, a viral complication may appear. To eliminate their manifestations, antibiotic therapy is used. The drugs themselves in the form of antibiotics are selected individually for each patient.

You can not do without local treatment of Steven Johnson's syndrome, it includes proper skin care and careful removal of inanimate skin. This requires antiseptic solutions. They are used in the form of peroxide and potassium permanganate.

Depending on the location of the localization, an individual treatment of the organ is prescribed. If the oral cavity is affected, after each meal it is treated with peroxide or other disinfectant solutions. Urinary excretory organs are treated with solcoseryl ointment or prednisolone, three times a day. Eyes are smeared with eye ointments, eye drops are applied.

There is one of the basic principles of treatment, it is to find out the cause, which gave rise to Steven Johnson's syndrome. You must follow a hypoallergenic diet. Sweets, chocolate, fish products, citrus fruits, chicken meat, coffee, spices and mayonnaise, strawberries, melons, honey, alcohol are excluded from the diet.

Polymorphic exudative erythema is a disease in which the vessels of the skin are affected, as a result of which the skin and mucous membranes change. Symptoms are: spots that look like a target, bubbles appear. Localized on the hands, feet, and mucous membranes. This form is also called erythema multiforme exudative.

Erythema multiforme exudative develops in younger people. The rash lasts for a week. Appears to be almost red.

  1. Complications of various organs:
  2. from the gastrointestinal tract - colitis, proctitis;
  3. eye diseases - severe keratitis, blindness;
  4. urine excretory system - renal failure, bleeding from the genitals;
  5. skin - scars, scars;
  • In no case should you start treatment with small doses of corticosteroids, and you should not use them for a long time after the end of treatment.
  • If an infectious disease has not joined, you should not use antibiotics at all.
    The treatment algorithm should not include penicillin antibiotics and vitamin preparations. They are considered strong allergens.
  • The treatment of Stevens Johnson syndrome is similar to the standard treatment for allergies, but since this is a more severe disease, you must immediately consult a doctor and he already prescribes individual treatment for each patient.

Video: Erythema multiforme exudative - a rare and very serious disease

Stevens Johnson syndrome: is the disease as terrible as it looks

Among seemingly harmless allergic reactions, there are also acute, one might even say, serious forms of diseases provoked by an allergen. These include Stevens Johnson Syndrome. It has an extremely dangerous character and belongs to a subspecies of those allergic reactions that are a state of shock for the human body. Consider how dangerous this syndrome is and how it can be treated.

This syndrome was first mentioned in 1922. He received the name from the author, who described the main signs of the disease. It can appear at any age, but is more common in people over 20 years of age.

In general, this is a disease of the skin and mucous membranes of the human body caused by allergies. It represents the form when the cells of the epidermis begin to die, as a result - separating from the dermis.

Johnson's syndrome is a malignant exudative erythema that can lead to death. The condition that is caused by the syndrome threatens not only health, but also life. It is dangerous because all the symptoms appear in a matter of hours. We can say that this is a toxic form of the disease.

This syndrome does not proceed like a normal allergic reaction. Bubbles form on the mucous membranes, which literally stick around the throat, genitals, and skin. A person can suffocate because of this, refuse to eat, because. it is very painful, the eyes can stick together, turn sour, and then the bubbles are filled with pus. And I must say that such a state is very dangerous for a person.

The patient with Stevens Johnson's Symptom is in a state of fever, the disease itself progresses at lightning speed - fever, sore throat. These are all just initial symptoms. This is very similar to a cold or SARS, so many simply do not pay attention and do not suspect that it is time to treat the patient.

However, doctors state that this pathological condition is very rare and only 5 people out of a million people are prone to pathology. To this day, science is studying the mechanism of development, prevention and treatment of the Syndrome. This is important because people with this condition require emergency medical attention and special care.

To date, four main causes are known that provoke the development of SJS.

One of them is medication. Most often these are drugs from the category of antibiotics.

  • sulfonamides;
  • cephalosporins;
  • antiepileptic drugs;
  • individual antiviral and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • antibacterial medicines.

The next cause of SJS is an infection that enters the human body. Among them:

  • bacterial - tuberculosis, gonorrhea, salmonellosis;
  • viral - herpes simplex, hepatitis, influenza, AIDS;
  • fungal - histoplasmosis.

A separate factor provoking SJS is cancer. This syndrome can become a complication of a malignant tumor.

Very rarely, this disease can appear on the background of a food allergy, if substances that can lead to intoxication systematically enter the body.

Even less often, the syndrome develops as a result of vaccination, when the body reacts with increased sensitivity to the components of the vaccine.

However, to this day, medicine does not know why the disease can develop without provoking causes. T-lymphocytes are able to protect the body from foreign organisms, but in the condition that causes the syndrome, these T-lymphocytes are activated against their own body and destroy the skin.

However, doctors focus on the fact that you should not refuse to take medications provoking the syndrome. Usually, all these drugs are prescribed as a therapy for serious diseases, in which, without treatment, a lethal outcome is possible much faster.

The main thing is that not everyone has an allergy, therefore, the attending physician should make sure of the appropriateness of the appointment, taking into account the patient's medical history.

Symptoms of the syndrome: how to distinguish from other diseases

How quickly the disease will develop will depend on the state of the human immune system. All symptoms may appear in a day, or in a few weeks.

It all starts with an incomprehensible itch and small red spots. The first sign of the development of the syndrome is the appearance of vesicles or bullae on the skin. If you touch them or accidentally touch them, they will simply fall off, leaving purulent wounds behind them.

Then the body temperature rises sharply - up to 40 degrees Celsius, headache, aches, fever, indigestion, redness and sore throat will begin. It should be noted that all this happens in a short period of time. Therefore, it is worth immediately calling an ambulance or urgently taking the patient to the hospital. Delay can cost a person's life.

After the lightning-fast appearance of the above symptoms, small blisters become large. They are covered with a light gray film and a crust of gore. Pathology often develops in the mouth. The patient's lips stick together, so he refuses food and cannot utter a word.

Initially, only a few parts of the body are affected - the face and limbs. Then the disease progresses, and all erosions merge. At the same time, the palms, feet and head remain intact. This fact for doctors becomes the main one in recognizing SJS.

The patient with slight pressure on the skin, from the very first days of the onset of symptoms, will experience severe pain.

An infectious disease can also join the syndrome, which will only aggravate the course of the disease. Another factor in the identification of DDS is eye damage. Due to pus, the eyelids can grow together, conjunctivitis of a serious form will appear. As a result, the patient may lose his sight.

The genitals will not remain intact. As a rule, the development of secondary diseases begins - urethritis, vaginitis, vulvitis. After some time, the affected areas of the skin overgrow, but scars remain, and narrowing of the urethra occurs.

All blisters on the skin will be bright purple in color with an admixture of pus and blood. When they spontaneously open, wounds remain in their place, which then become covered with a rough crust.

The following photographs are examples of what Stevens Johnson Syndrome looks like:

In order to correctly diagnose and not confuse the syndrome with another disease, it is necessary to take tests to confirm SJS. This is, first of all:

  • blood chemistry;
  • skin biopsy;
  • Analysis of urine;
  • tank sowing from mucous membranes.

Of course, the specialist will assess the nature of the rashes, and if there are complications, then consultation will be required not only from a dermatologist, but also from a pulmonologist and nephrologist.

Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, treatment should begin immediately. Delay can cost the life of the patient or lead to the development of more serious complications.

Assistance that can be provided at home to the patient before admission to the hospital. Dehydration must be prevented. This is the main thing at the first stage of therapy. If the patient can drink on his own, then you need to give him regularly clean water. If the patient cannot open his mouth, then several liters of saline are injected intravenously.

The main therapy will be aimed at eliminating intoxication of the body and preventing complications. The first step is to stop giving the patient drugs that provoked an allergic reaction. The only exceptions are essential medicines.

After hospitalization, the patient is prescribed:

  1. hypoallergenic diet- food should be slaughtered through a blender or liquid. In a severe case, the body will be replenished intravenously.
  2. Infusion therapy- introduce saline and plasma-substituting solutions (6 liters per day of isotonic solution).
  3. Provide complete room sterility so that no infection can get into the opening of the wound.
  4. Regular cleaning of wounds with disinfectant solutions and mucous membranes. For the eyes, azelastine, with complications - prednisolone. For the oral cavity - hydrogen peroxide.
  5. Antibacterial, pain relievers and antihistamines.

The basis of treatment should be hormonal glucocorticoids. Often, the patient's oral cavity is affected immediately and he cannot open his mouth, so the drugs are administered by injection.

With proper therapy, doctors usually give a positive prognosis. All symptoms should subside within 10 days of starting treatment. After some time, the body temperature will drop to normal, and inflammation from the skin, under the influence of drugs, will subside.

Full recovery will come in a month, no more.

In general, the usual precautions are the prevention of the disease. These include:

  1. Physicians are prohibited from prescribing for treatment a drug that the patient allergy.
  2. Should not be used drugs from the same group, as well as medicines to which the patient is allergic.
  3. Do not use at the same time a lot ofmedicines.
  4. Always better to followinstructions on the use of drugs.

Also, those who have weak immunity and those who have already suffered SJS at least once should always remember to take care of themselves and pay attention to alarm bells. Predicting the development of the syndrome is difficult.

If you follow preventive measures, then it will be possible to avoid complications and the rapid development of the disease.

Of course, you should always monitor your health - regularly harden so that the body can resist diseases, use antimicrobial and immunostimulating drugs.

Don't forget about nutrition. It must be balanced and complete. A person must receive all the necessary vitamins and minerals so that they are not in short supply.

The main guarantee of effective treatment is urgent therapy. Everyone who is in the risk category should remember this and without delay in case of suspicious symptoms, seek medical help.

The main thing is not to panic and take the first important steps at the initial stage of the disease. Erythema multiforme exudative is very rare, and exacerbation usually occurs during the off-season - in autumn or spring. The disease develops in both men and women aged 20 to 40 years. However, there are cases when the symptom was found in children under 3 years of age.

If you know about the risks, then you can protect yourself from many complications of the syndrome, which can bring many health problems.

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Stevens-Johnson syndrome is an acute bullous lesion of the mucous membranes and skin. People aged 20–40 years are susceptible to the disease, and it is extremely rarely diagnosed in infants under 3 years of age. Pathology is noted mainly in men. The syndrome is characterized by an acute course and the rapid development of complications with damage to internal organs. This necessitates the prompt provision of qualified assistance.

The reasons

The main reason for the development of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, doctors call the use of medications. An acute allergic reaction is observed with an overdose of drugs or in case of individual intolerance to the components. As a rule, these are antibiotics of the penicillin group, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, CNS regulators, painkillers, sulfonamides and vitamins.

Rarely, the cause of Stevens-Johnson syndrome is an infectious disease. The infectious-allergic form occurs when it is affected by herpes, influenza, hepatitis or HIV, and in childhood, the causative agent is measles, mumps and chickenpox viruses. Sometimes a negative reaction is possible with fungal and bacterial infections.

An oncological disease (carcinoma or lymphoma) can provoke the syndrome. Sometimes doctors fail to establish the etiology of the disease, in which case they speak of an idiopathic form.

Symptoms

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a lightning-fast allergic reaction that develops rapidly and is very acute. The first symptoms are similar to those of a respiratory disease. The patient develops weakness, fever, fever up to 40 ⁰С, joint pain, headache and drowsiness. There may be a sore throat or sore throat, dry cough.

In some cases, dyspeptic disorders are observed: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and a complete lack of appetite. Cardiovascular disorders - tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) and accelerated heart rate.

This condition persists for several hours, and then a symptom characteristic of the syndrome appears - rashes on the skin and mucous membranes.

The rash can be localized on different parts of the body, but, as a rule, the rashes are symmetrical. Mostly an allergic reaction is observed at the knee and elbow bends, on the face and on the back of the hand and feet. The rash also occurs on the mucous membranes - in the mouth, on the eyes and genitals. The rash is accompanied by severe burning and itching.

Outwardly, the rash looks like papules with a diameter of 2–4 mm. In the center of the formation is a vial with serous or hemorrhagic fluid. The outer part of the papule is bright red. Bubbles localized on the mucous membranes quickly burst, leaving painful erosions in this place, which eventually become covered with a yellow coating.

The lesion of the mucous membrane of the eyes is similar to allergic conjunctivitis. Often a secondary infection joins, which causes an acute inflammatory process with purulent discharge. Erosive and ulcerative lesions are formed on the cornea and conjunctiva. Perhaps the development of keratitis, blepharitis or iridocyclitis.

With damage to the oral mucosa and the red border of the lips, the patient has difficulty eating and drinking. Nutrition is provided through a probe, and medications are administered intravenously.

The psycho-emotional state of the patient is aggravated. He experiences anxiety and irritability, becomes withdrawn and apathetic. Due to constant itching and pain, sleep is disturbed, appetite worsens and performance decreases.

Diagnostics

To diagnose the syndrome, an anamnesis is taken. The doctor finds out if the patient has a tendency to an allergic reaction, whether it has happened before and what served as its causative agent. It is important to detect the fact of taking medications or the presence of an infectious process. The doctor conducts a visual examination, assessing the condition of the skin and mucous membranes.

Laboratory diagnostic methods: general and biochemical blood tests. Diagnostic value is the level of urea, bilirubin and aminotransferase enzymes.

A coagulogram allows you to evaluate blood clotting and the rate of blood clots. An immunogram may be performed to detect specific antibodies in the blood. An elevated level of T-lymphocytes indicates the presence of pathology.

Sometimes, histological examination reveals necrosis of epidermal cells, and perivascular infiltration by lymphocytes is diagnosed.

Instrumental diagnostic methods: CT of the kidneys, radiography of the lungs, ultrasound of the urinary system. In some cases, an additional consultation with a nephrologist, pulmonologist, urologist and ophthalmologist is required.

During diagnosis, it is important to differentiate Stevens-Johnson syndrome from pemphigus, Lyell's syndrome, and other pathologies that have similar symptoms.

Treatment

Stevens-Johnson syndrome requires immediate medical attention. Before the patient is admitted to the hospital, it is important to carry out catheterization of the vein and start infusion therapy. To reduce the level of allergens in the blood, droppers with saline or colloidal solutions are used. Additionally, Prednisolone (60–150 mg) is administered intravenously to the patient. If swelling of the mucous membrane of the larynx develops, breathing is disturbed, then the patient is transferred to artificial ventilation of the lungs.

After the acute attack subsides, the patient is placed in a hospital, where he is constantly under the supervision of medical personnel. Analgesics are prescribed to relieve pain and relieve the condition. Glucocorticosteroids will help eliminate inflammation.

If necessary, intravenous transfusion of plasma and protein solution is performed. Additionally, drugs with a high content of calcium and potassium are prescribed. To combat allergies, antihistamines are prescribed - Suprastin, Diazolin or Loratadin.

In case of bacterial damage to the body, antibiotic therapy is performed. At the same time, it is strictly forbidden to use antibiotics of the penicillin group and vitamin complexes. To improve the condition of the skin, anti-inflammatory ointments and antiseptic solutions are prescribed.

Forecast and prevention

With timely assistance, the prognosis is quite favorable. However, the syndrome is often accompanied by severe complications, which makes treatment difficult. As a rule, it is vaginitis in women and urethral stricture in men. With the defeat of the mucous eyes, blepharoconjunctivitis develops, visual acuity decreases. As a complication, the development of pneumonia, colitis, bronchiolitis and secondary infection is possible. Less commonly, acute renal failure develops and the process of producing hormones by the adrenal glands is disrupted. In 10% of cases, patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome die.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a bullous lesion of the skin and mucous membranes. It has an allergic nature and is characterized by an acute manifestation.

This disease occurs against the background of a serious condition of a person. It affects the oral mucosa and urinary organs.

Also, this syndrome is called "malignant exudative erythema." As well as, allergic contact, etc. it is a bullous dermatitis and is characterized by a large number of blisters on the skin and mucous membranes.

Most often, this syndrome develops in people in the period from 20 to 40 years. Very rare in children.

Men suffer from this disease more often than women.

The reasons

The causes of the development of Steven Johnson syndrome lie in the immediate allergic reaction of the body. There are four groups of reasons that can cause the onset of such a reaction:

  • infections;
  • medicines;
  • malignant diseases;
  • unknown factors.

In children, this syndrome most often develops due to viral diseases (herpes, viral hepatitis, chickenpox, measles, etc.)

Bacterial infections and fungi (tuberculosis, gonorrhea, histoplasmosis, trichophytosis, etc.) can also provoke development.

Adults for the most part suffer from this syndrome due to the use of certain medications or malignant neoplasms in the body.

Of the drugs, most often such a reaction can be caused by antibiotics, regulators of the central nervous system, etc.

The most common cause of cancer is lymphoma or carcinoma.

Symptoms

With the onset of the disease, the symptoms appear very quickly and abruptly. A person notes:

  • general malaise;
  • the temperature rises to 40c;
  • headache;
  • arthralgia occurs;
  • muscle pain;
  • tachycardia.

The patient may have a sore throat, diarrhea or vomiting, cough.

In a few hours, blisters begin to swell in the throat, which, after opening, form large defects. They are covered with white-gray or yellow films and blood crusts.

Lips may also be involved in the process.

Eye damage resembles conjunctivitis, but if an infection gets in, purulent inflammation may develop. It can also lead to blepharitis, keratitis, and iris damage.

Urethritis, vulvitis or vaginitis develops on the genitals.

Numerous elements appear on the skin, which rise above the rest of the skin and have a rounded shape. Outwardly, they look like blisters. They can be up to 5 cm in diameter.

The rash continues to appear for a couple of weeks. Ulcers that remain after opening the blisters heal for a month and a half.

Due to the complications that this syndrome can cause, approximately 10% of patients die.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of this syndrome includes a large comprehensive study, during which the patient is carefully examined, an immunological blood test is performed, a skin biopsy is taken, and a coagulogram is taken. An x-ray of the lungs, ultrasound of the bladder, kidneys, as well as a biochemical analysis of urine are also performed.

Treatment

Treatment for Stevens-Johnson syndrome is complex and intensive. Be sure to prescribe glucocorticoids in large doses. Since these substances can affect the mucous membranes, they are injected. The dose is reduced only after the symptoms subside and the person begins to feel better.

To purify the blood, methods of extracorporeal hemocorrection are used:

  • cascade plasma filtration;
  • membrane plasmapheresis;
  • hemosorption;
  • immunosorption.

A person is given a transfusion of plasma and protein solutions.

Be sure to provide the body with plenty of fluids and maintain daily diuresis.

Potassium and calcium preparations are also used.

Secondary infections are treated with antibiotics.