Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Secondary to Herpetic Infection: A Case Report

Abstract

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare but serious drug reaction characterized by extensive necrosis of the skin and mucous membranes. It is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate medical intervention, with a high mortality rate, especially during the acute phase. Symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome include a rash, blisters, and lesions in the oral mucosa, throat, genitals, and eyes. Before the rash appears, symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pain, and flu-like signs may occur. While the causes of Stevens-Johnson syndrome are not fully understood, it is often associated with an allergic reaction to medication. In children, it can also have an infectious origin. Survivors of Stevens-Johnson syndrome may experience long-term sequelae, including cutaneous, ophthalmological, genital, oral-dental, and psychological issues. Therefore, monitoring and early detection are crucial. The severity of this pathology makes the reported case particularly compelling. It highlights the importance of medical personnel having knowledge and mastery of this condition in order to improve management and prognosis. We report the case of an 8-year-old child who presented with a pseudogripal syndrome that rapidly progressed in 24 hours to an exanthem characterized by macules in pseudo-rings. The condition was complicated by a severe, diffuse enanthem and resulted in detachment with a positive Nikolsky sign. The clinical and biological evolution was favorable under symptomatic treatment, antiviral medication and intravenous immunoglobulin infusion.