STEVENS JOHNSON SYNDROME II

Stevens Johnson syndrome orabbreviated SJS is a serious systemic allergic reaction affecting the skin andthe mucous membranes with a characteristic rash which consists of erythematouspapules, vesicles, bullae.

There may also be iris lesions. The mucosal lesions includeconjunctivitis as well as oral and genital ulcers. The syndrome is due to ahypersensitive ( allergic ) reaction to one of a number of immunologic stimuliincluding drugs and infectious agents, Stevens Johnson syndrome canbe considered a milder form of toxic epidermal necrolysis ( TEN ). Bothdiseases can be mistaken for erythema multiform, that is sometimes can also becaused by a reaction to a medication but is more often a type IVhypersensitivity reaction to an infection ( caused most often by Herpes simplex) and is relatively benign.

SJS and TEN are potentially more dangerous than of erythema multiform .

The most frequent complications of SJS are keratitis, uveitis, and perforationof the globe of the eye, all of which may result in permanent visualimpairment. In addition, hepatitis, nephritis, gastrointestinal bleeding,pneumonia, arthritis, arthralgia, fever, and myalgia can be part of SJS.

The differential diagnosis includes other diseases that can result in cutaneousand mucous membrane lesions. Diseases such as pemphigus vulgaris, erosivelichen planus, and varicella zoster may mimic SJS. Behcet syndrome and Reitersyndrome may have ocular and genital lesions that can be confused with thoseseen in SJS.

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