scholarly journals Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Guide for Nurses

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 281-295
Author(s):  
Leah M. Hanson ◽  
Amanda P Bettencourt

Nurses are central to the care of patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Patients with these conditions present with nuanced symptoms and have complex nursing care needs. Although much of the exact pathophysiology of these diseases is not known, all nurses benefit from a fundamental understanding of the genesis of skin manifestations, associated pharmacology, and prognosis. The care of patients hospitalized with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis consists of wound care, infection prevention, comfort management, hydration and nutrition, psychosocial support, and the prevention of long-term complications. This article provides an overview of these diseases, including clinical diagnosis, history and physical assessment, related pharmacology, and nursing care priorities. A description of the current state of the science in clinical management for nurses at all levels is provided, with an emphasis on nursing’s contribution to the best possible patient outcomes.

Cornea ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 745-753
Author(s):  
Yamato Yoshikawa ◽  
Mayumi Ueta ◽  
Hideki Fukuoka ◽  
Tsutomu Inatomi ◽  
Isao Yokota ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 193-196
Author(s):  
Watuhatai Paipool ◽  
Leelawadee Sriboonnark

Abstract Background Stevens–Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are life-threatening skin conditions with an etiology of drug exposure or infections. Objectives To determine the cause, treatments, complications, and outcomes of SJS/TEN in children admitted to Srinagrind Hospital during 1992–2012. Methods Retrospective chart review. A diagnosis of SJS and TEN was confirmed by pediatric dermatologists. Results A total of 38 patients was recorded. They consisted 31 (82%) SJS patients and 7 (18%) TEN patients. Mean age 6.6 years (range 1 to 14 years). Male to female was 1.1:1. Most cases (30 or 79%) were caused by drug exposure. Three cases (8%) by infection, and 5 cases (13%) were of unknown cause. The antiepileptic drug group was the most common cause. Systemic corticosteroids were used in 33 cases (87%). Intravenous immunoglobulin was used in one TEN patient (3%). There were 18 cases (47%) with acute complications. Ocular complications (7 cases, 39%), septicemia (4 cases, 22%), and secondary skin infections (3 cases, 17%) were the most common. Mean difference in length of hospital stay between those with and without acute complications was 12.3 days (P < 0.01, 95% CI 5.9–18.6). Ocular complications were the only long-term complications at 1-year follow up, and included symblepharon, corneal pannus, and dry eyes. Two patients (5%), both having cases of TEN, died. Conclusions Antiepileptic drugs were the most common causes of SJS/TEN in our study. Good ophthalmologic care of the prevalent acute eye complications in these patients is needed to prevent long-term ophthalmic complications.


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