Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare but potentially fatal disease of the skin and mucous membranes, most often associated with medication. According to international statistics, the mortality rate for this syndrome ranges from 5 to 12%.
From August to September 2025, two cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome caused by carbamazepine were registered in the dermatology department of the Republican Center for Dermatovenereology (RCDV). Both patients were undergoing inpatient treatment.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is classified as a severe toxic-allergic disease, representing a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction, characterized by damage to the skin and mucous membranes of at least two organs. This disease is considered a severe form of erythema multiforme.
According to the study, the main factor contributing to the development of the syndrome is drug allergy, especially to antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiepileptic drugs, barbiturates, local anesthetics, and vaccines. Symptoms usually manifest within the first four weeks after the start of therapy, and in half of the cases, it is not possible to establish the exact cause.
Doctors note that patients underwent treatment for ten days, recording the dynamics of clinical manifestations and documenting the disease process with photographs.
Clinical case: On August 25, 2025, a patient — A. M. K., born in 1963, was admitted to the dermatology department of the Republican Center for Dermatovenereology. Upon admission, he complained of rashes on the skin of the limbs, pain in the mouth while eating and swallowing, as well as general weakness and headache.
According to the medical history, he had been ill for four days and attributed his symptoms to the intake of carbamazepine during treatment in the narcological department. He exhibited swelling of the lips and limbs, and a sore throat. After calling an ambulance, he received several medications, but there was no improvement, and he independently sought hospitalization at the RCDV.
In the medical history, there was an episode of binge drinking in August 2025 against a background of a stressful situation, as well as allergic dermatitis after the administration of ascorbic acid.
The clinical manifestations were acute and widespread, including lesions of the mucous membranes of the mouth and lips, multiple blisters on a hyperemic background on the limbs, as well as a positive Nikolsky sign. Hemorrhagic crusts were observed on the lips, and the oral mucosa was bright red with superficial erosions. Ultimately, the diagnosis was made: "Stevens-Johnson syndrome caused by medications."
The patient was discharged after ten days with improved condition and recommendations for further treatment.
Collapse Specialists emphasize that in Kyrgyzstan, as in other countries, there is a problem of timely diagnosis and treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Determining the exact prevalence of this disease is difficult due to a lack of statistical data. Advanced age and comorbidities significantly increase the risk of fatal outcomes.
In conclusion, the study notes that healthcare workers should avoid re-prescribing carbamazepine to patients who have previously had Stevens-Johnson syndrome or other severe skin reactions to its use.
The image on the main page is illustrative: stimul-clinic.ru.
