Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic epidermal necrolysis complicated with fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Abstract Background Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare but life-threatening skin lesion triggered by hypersensitive drug reaction. They are characterized by extensive epidermal necrosis and skin exfoliation. Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus (FT1DM) is featured by a rapid-onset of hyperglycemia with ketoacidosis due to severely destroyed β-cell function. Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus as a sequela of SJS/TEN has rarely been reported. Case presentation We present a 73-year-old female patient who developed SJS/TEN skin allergic reaction after taking carbamazepine and phenytoin for 35 days. Then, hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis occurred 20 days after discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs. A very low serum C-peptide level (8.79 pmol/l) and a near-normal glycosylated hemoglobin level met the diagnostic criteria for fulminant T1DM. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and insulin were promptly administered, and the patient recovered finally. Conclusions This rare case indicates that monitoring blood glucose is necessary in SJS/TEN drug reaction, and comprehensive therapy with rehydration, insulin, antibiotics, and IVIG may improve the prognosis.

Keywords

• Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs)
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Toxic epidermal necrolysis
• Antiepileptic drugs
• Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus