Keywords
Dermatopathy
Pediatrics
Immunology
Antiparasitic
How to Cite
Abstract
Background: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare and severe mucocutaneous reaction, usually triggered by medications, that manifests with blisters and skin detachment over less than 10% of the body surface area. Although low in incidence, SJS is a medical emergency with high morbidity and mortality, and can lead to serious complications such as blindness, sepsis, and multiple organ failure. The main treatment consists of discontinuation of the causative medication and supportive care, similar to that for burn patients. Albendazole, a commonly used antiparasitic, is one of the drugs that, although rare, may be associated with this severe reaction.
Aim: To report a case of SJS caused by albendazole and treated at our Center. Method: This report describes a pediatric patient treated at the São Francisco University Hospital in Providência de Deus (HUSF), located in Bragança Paulista, Sao Paulo, Brazil. All information analyzed was extracted from the medical records already on file at the Center, without any additional interventions. The study was submitted to the HUSF Research Ethics Committee and approved (approval opinion number 7914120 of October 20, 2025) for complying with the ethical and legal standards established by Resolution 466/2012 of the National Health Council, which regulates research involving human subjects.
Case Report: A 2-year-and-3-month-old male patient presented with a pruritic papular rash in the cervical region, rapidly spreading and evolving into bullous and crusted lesions. Initially, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Kawasaki syndrome were hypothesized, but the latter were ruled out after further testing. The patient received treatment with methylprednisolone, an antihistamine, and human immunoglobulin, with significant improvement. No antibiotic therapy was required, and an infectious condition was ruled out.
Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of early differential diagnosis of bullous dermatoses in childhood and demonstrates a good therapeutic response to human immunoglobulin in cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, with a favorable clinical outcome.
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