Objective: Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are uncommon acute der-matologic disorders. The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency, aetiology and outcome of cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis admitted to the dermatology ward at the University Hospital of the West Indies.

 

Methods: This was a retrospective study looking at all patients who were admitted with a diagnosis of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis over a nine-year period.

 

Results: The results showed almost equal numbers of males and females.  The drugs most commonly implicated were phenytoin and cotrimoxazole.  The most common complications were hepatic impair-ment and ophthalmic complications.

 

Conclusion: Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality of patients on the dermatology ward although mortality was low compared to other studies.