MANAGEMENT OF STEVENS-JOHNSON SYNDROME/TOXIC EPIDERMAL NECROLYSIS SECONDARY TO THE USE OF LAMOTRIGINE: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare but serious and potentially fatal dermatological conditions. The pathogenic mechanisms have not yet been completely clarified, but it is known that a variety of drugs can trigger these pathologies, such as antibiotics, anticonvulsants, analgesics, antiretrovirals, antidepressants, among others. The clinical presentation of SJS/TEN is marked by the development of extensive skin lesions that progress to vesicles and blisters, mainly affecting the face and chest, preceded by non-specific flu-like symptoms. The oral, ocular and genital mucous membranes are often affected, leading to nutritional and urinary complications. As there are still no protocols for dealing with patients with SJS and/or TEN, the present work aims to report the management of a case, triggered by the use of lamotrigine. This is a female patient, aged 24, who sought the health service due to flu-like symptoms, followed by odynophagia, dysuria and painful vesiculobullous lesions on the palms of her hands and soles of her feet. The diagnosis is based on a thorough anamnesis, looking for frequent signs and symptoms and a recent history of contact with some agent causing these pathologies. New research is needed in this area, considering that the treatment is still controversial in the literature and there is a lack of research that consolidates the management of this potentially fatal condition.