Introduction: Severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCAR) is seen in ≤5% of all hospitalized patients. It includes Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis spectrum (SJS/TEN), drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome/drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DIHS/DRESS) and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). Objectives: The main objective was to determine the epidemiological characteristics of SCAR patients at a tertiary hospital from 2011-2015. Specifi cally, it aimed to determine the prevalence, demographic characteristics and clinical profi le of SCAR patients. Methods: All SCAR patients from 2011-2015 were studied through a single-center, retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study. Results: Sixty-eight SCAR cases were diagnosed from 2011-2015 with a prevalence rate of 6.25 per 10,000 people. Majority were 46-55 years old with slight female predominance. The most common SCAR was DIHS/DRESS (50%), followed by SJS/ TEN (30%) and AGEP (20%). Eight percent had previous drug reactions, 69% had co-morbidities and 90% were diagnosed clinically without biopsy. The antibiotics was the most common culprit drug category followed by allopurinol and anticonvulsants. Prompt withdrawal of culprit drug/s, supportive therapy, systemic steroids and antihistamine, topical emollients and saline compress were mainstay of treatment. Mortality rate was 4% for all SCAR categories Conclusion The epidemiology of SCAR in this study is similar to those reported in other literature. The adults were commonly involved; DIHS/DRESS was the most common SCAR with antibiotics being the most common culprit. Prompt withdrawal and supportive therapy were essential. Systemic steroid, antihistamine; topical emollients and saline compress resulted in improvement of patients. In contrast, there was lower prevalence rate with slight female predominance; and lower mortality rate even with the use of systemic steroids.
Cicatrix ; Epidemiology

RATIONALE

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in fair-skinned populations. Overall, strategies focus on modifiable risk factors such as reducing ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure through physical, topical or systemic protection. Currently, data on knowledge, attitude and practices of Filipino patients on UV index in relation to sun protection is unavailable.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to improve sunscreen use among patients seen in a tertiary hospital in Manila, specifically after UV index education.

METHODOLOGY AND POPULATION

The study will be conducted among patients at the outpatient department of the University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Department of Dermatology, after UV index education. Patients who will be included are aged 18 to 65 years old, belonging to both sexes and able to understand English or Filipino. The exclusion criteria includes children, elderly greater than the age of 65, prisoners, mentally handicapped or those with incurable diseases.

TIME FRAME

3 weeks 

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

The outcome is the improvement in sunscreen use among patients seen in a tertiary hospital in Manila, specifically after UV index education.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Radiation Exposure ; Sunscreening Agents ; Dermatology