Rapid onset of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis after ingestion of acetaminophen
10.5415/apallergy.2014.4.1.68
- Author:
Eun Jin KIM
1
;
Hyun LIM
;
So Young PARK
;
Sujeong KIM
;
Sun Young YOON
;
Yun Jeong BAE
;
Hyouk Soo KWON
;
You Sook CHO
;
Hee Bom MOON
;
Tae Bum KIM
Author Information
1. Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 138-736, Korea. allergy@medimail.co.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Stevens-Johnson syndrome;
Toxic epidermal necrolysis;
Drug;
Hypersensitivity;
Acetaminophen
- MeSH:
Acetaminophen;
Adult;
Drug Therapy;
Eating;
Female;
Humans;
Hypersensitivity;
Immunoglobulin G;
Middle Aged;
Skin;
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
- From:
Asia Pacific Allergy
2014;4(1):68-72
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare, but life-threatening, severe cutaneous adverse reactions most frequently caused by exposure to drugs. Several reports have associated the use of acetaminophen with the risk of SJS or TEN. A typical interval from the beginning of drug therapy to the onset of an adverse reaction is 1-3 weeks. A 43-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man developed skin lesions within 3 days after administration of acetaminophen for a 3-day period. Rapid identification of the symptoms of SJS and TEN caused by ingestion of acetaminophen enabled prompt withdrawal of the culprit drug. After administration of intravenous immunoglobulin G, both patients recovered fully and were discharged. These two cases of rapidly developed SJS/TEN after ingestion of acetaminophen highlight the possibility that these complications can develop within only a few days following ingestion of over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen.
