Steven Johnson Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Stevens Johnson syndrome is a severe acute dermatosis, often fatal. It is characterized by general malaise, stomatitis, purulent conjunctivitis and vesiculobullous lesions disseminated over the entire body surface. It is triggered by viral or bacterial infections, and mainly by medications.

Objective: To keep informed etiology, clinical manifestations and treatment of Stevens Johnson syndrome.

Methods: A review was carried out of the literature available in SciELO, bvscuba, PubMed Central, Medline, and Clinicalkey databases, in English and Spanish. The descriptors used were Stevens Johnson syndrome and drugs. During the review process, 32 articles were cited, including 6 books and 26 journals, 50% updated in the last 5 years. Basic concepts related to this syndrome and the clinical manifestations, etiopathogenesis, positive diagnosis, differentials and finally the treatment were reviewed.

Conclusions: Stevens Johnson syndrome is a rare, serious bullous mucocutaneous disease that can lead to death in the patient.