Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap triggered by ethosuximide: a rare pediatric report

Abstract

Introduction: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are severe and life-threatening mucocutaneous conditions characterized by fever and necrosis of the epidermis. Up to 90% of cases are drug-induced. Antiseizure drugs (ASD) are known to cause SJS, but only a very few ethosuximide-induced SJS cases have been reported in the literature. Case presentation: We report a case of ethosuximide-induced SJS/TEN overlap in a 4-year-old boy, confirmed by patch tests, with improvement with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and systemic corticosteroid therapy cycle. Conclusion: This case highlights the need to expand knowledge about the optimal treatment strategy for these rare conditions, in addition to supportive treatment.

Keywords

• Antiepileptic drug. Ethosuximide. Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Toxic epidermal necrolysis.