Ocular complications of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.
The causative factors and ocular complications of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are reported here. Six out of seven patients developed the syndrome secondary to ingestion of sulphadoxine/pyrimethamine while one developed it as a complication of HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy). The ocular complications were ankyloblepharon, symblepharon, chronic conjunctivitis, corneal vascularization and conjunctivalization, and blindness. One patient died. A shift to the WHO-recommened artemisin-based combination therapy for the treatment of malaria is advised. Early referral to the ophthalmologist will help to reduce the complications.
Ukponmwan
Catherine U
CU
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, PMB: 1154, Benin City, Nigeria. kateukponmwan@yahoo.com
Njinaka
Itiyafe
I
Ehimiyen
Efe T
ET
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D013262:Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination