Acetylsalicylic acid and other salicylates in relation to Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.
OBJECTIVE
Various nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are known to increase the risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. The relationship between salicylate treatment and these conditions is not known.


METHODS
A case-control study was conducted in four countries in Europe from 1989 to 1995.


RESULTS
Among 373 cases and 1720 controls, the multivariate relative risk estimate for any salicylate use in the previous week was 1.3 (95% confidence interval, 0.8-2.2); no statistically significant elevations were observed for single ingredient preparations or for salicylate-containing combination products.


CONCLUSIONS
Acetylsalicylic acid and other salicylates are not associated with a measurable increase in the risk of these rare but severe reactions.
The Slone Epidemiology Unit, Boston University School of Medicine, Brookline, MA 02446, USA.
D W
DW
Kaufman
J P
JP
Kelly
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D006801:Humans; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012459:Salicylates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013262:Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D012459:Salicylates; D001241:Aspirin