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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffPossible complications of Stevens-Johnson syndrome include:
- Secondary skin infection (cellulitis). This acute infection of your skin can lead to life-threatening complications, including meningitis — an infection of the membrane and fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord — and sepsis.
- Sepsis. Sepsis occurs when bacteria from a massive infection enter your bloodstream and spread throughout your body. Sepsis is a rapidly progressing, life-threatening condition that can cause shock and organ failure.
- Eye problems. The rash caused by Stevens-Johnson syndrome can lead to inflammation in your eyes. In mild cases, this may cause irritation and dry eyes. In severe cases, it can lead to extensive tissue damage and scarring within your eyes that can result in blindness.
- Damage to internal organs. Stevens-Johnson syndrome can cause lesions of your internal organs, which can result in inflammation of your lungs (pneumonitis), heart (myocarditis), kidney (nephritis) and liver (hepatitis).
- Permanent skin damage. When your skin grows back following Stevens-Johnson syndrome, it may have abnormal bumps and coloring (pigmentation). Scars may remain on your skin, as well. Lasting skin problems may cause your hair to fall out, and your fingernails and toenails may not grow normally.
References
- Tonneson MG. Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis. In: Rakel RE, et al. Conn's Current Therapy 2008. 60th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/122833403-4/0/1621/0.html. Accessed Feb. 26, 2009.
- The Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis spectrum of disease. In: Habif TP. Habif: Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/122833403-5/808553136/1195/120.html. Accessed Feb. 26, 2009.
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/122833403-5/0/1417/1201.html. Accessed Feb. 26, 2009.
- Knowles SR, et al. Recognition and management of severe cutaneous drug reactions. Dermatologic Clinics. 2007;25:245.
- Schneck J, et al. Effects of treatments on the mortality of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: A retrospective study on patients included in the prospective EuroSCAR Study. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2008;58:33.
- High WA. Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 26, 2009.
