Stevens-Johnson syndrome: what do we know about it?

Abstract

Introduction: Stevens-Johnson syndrome is characterized by hypersensitivity to the use of drugs, with adverse cutaneous reactions, such as macules, papules, etc., which may progress to more serious conditions, such as hypovolemic shock. It is considered a rare and serious mucocutaneous disease that affects both sexes and was discovered in 1922. Objective: The aim of the paper consists of a literature review on Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Materials and Methods: For the present research, articles and case studies were selected in the Portuguese, English and Spanish languages between the years 2015 to 2023, available in the Google academic and PubMed databases. Results and Discussion: With this, it can be observed that these are skin reactions such as macules, papules, vesicles etc. The symptomatology of the presence is through fever, malaise and pruritus and can be caused by the use of drugs such as antibiotics, anti-epileptics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and allopurinol and that their late suspension, can lead the patient to death. Conclusion: Thus, this study concludes the importance of early diagnosis, which allows for faster treatment, thus avoiding complications. Therefore, further studies on the subject are necessary.