BAD guidelines for SJS/TEN in children and young people, 2018

Abstract

Summary: Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are urgent, serious immune reactions in which there is skin loss and severe ulcers in the mouth, eyes and genital areas. It affects about 5‐6 people per million under 18 years of age in the U.K. each year. It has a mortality of (causes death in) 5‐10% and re‐occurs in up to 18% of survivors. The British Association of Dermatologists led a group of relevant experts to examine the evidence in developing guidelines to aid diagnosis and management of SJS/TEN in children and young people. As with many rare conditions, there are few high‐quality trials comparing one treatment with another. Most of the evidence comes from patient examples reported in the medical literature (i.e. medical journals). The research reveals some important differences between children and adults in terms of the cause and outcomes of SJS/TEN. Infections are a more common cause in children and young people although medication can be the caus)