title: Stevens-Johnson syndrome in children.
abstract: During a 22-year period 51 cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) occurred in infants and children who ranged in age from 3 months to 14 years. Fifty-six percent of patients had an antecedent upper respiratory tract infection or non-specific viral infection, and 67% had received a prescription medication in the 3 weeks before onset of SJS. Nineteen patients (37%) were treated with adrenocorticosteroid medication during their hospitalization. Age, sex, duration of illness, body temperature on admission and history of antecedent medication were similar for the steroid- and non-steroid-treated patients. Rates of infection and overall complications were significantly greater in steroid-treated patients than in those treated symptomatically. These observations suggest that steroid drugs should not be used for treatment of SJS in infants and children.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D013262:Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000927:Anticonvulsants