Betancur-Toro et al. (2025)
intervenciones específicas de cada especialidad en el manejo agudo integral de SJS/NET. Se
enfatiza la importancia de la atención multidisciplinaria coordinada para el manejo de las
complicaciones cutáneas y sistémicas agudas, así como para la prevención de secuelas crónicas
particularmente las oftalmológicas – que afectan la calidad de vida de los sobrevivientes.
Palabras claves: Síndrome de Stevens-Johnson, grupo de atención al paciente, oftalmología,
dermatología, anestesiología.
Abstract
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are severe, immune-
mediated mucocutaneous reactions, usually triggered by medications. They represent a spectrum
of the same disease, defined by the extent of skin detachment: SJS involves <10% body surface
area (BSA), TEN >30%, with overlap forms between 10–30%. Their combined incidence is low
(
(
0.4–1.9 cases per million per year), but they carry high morbidity and mortality, especially in TEN
25–30% in different series) (1, 6). Clinically, SJS/TEN are characterized by a flu-like prodrome
followed by a diffuse rash with purpuric macules, atypical target lesions, blisters, and epidermal
detachment (positive Nikolsky’s sign), accompanied by mucosal involvement of the eyes, mouth,
and genitals in most patients (2, 6). The most common triggers are medications, notably
anticonvulsants (e.g., lamotrigine, carbamazepine), antibiotics (especially sulfonamides and beta-
lactams), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and allopurinol (6). Management is based on
immediate withdrawal of the offending drug and intensive supportive care, similar to burn patient
management, with strict fluid-electrolyte control, early nutritional support, pain control, infection
prevention, and early multidisciplinary support (2, 6). Given the multisystem nature of SJS/TEN,
an approach involving dermatology, ophthalmology, anesthesiology/critical care, and other
specialties is critical to reduce sequelae and mortality. This review analyzes current therapeutic
strategies, evidence for major immunomodulatory treatments (corticosteroids, intravenous
immunoglobulin, cyclosporine, anti-TNF biologics, among others), and the specific interventions
of each specialty in the acute comprehensive management of SJS/TEN. The importance of
coordinated multidisciplinary care is emphasized for managing acute cutaneous and systemic
complications, as well as preventing chronic sequelae – particularly ophthalmic – that affect
survivors’ quality of life.
Keywords: Stevens Johnson syndrome, patient care team, ophthalmology, dermatology,
anesthesiology.
gravedad de una misma entidad
1
. Introducción
inmunológica, diferenciadas por la
extensión de superficie corporal
comprometida: SJS se define por
El síndrome de Stevens-Johnson
SJS) y la necrólisis epidérmica
(
tóxica (NET, también conocida como
síndrome de Lyell) conforman un
espectro poco común de reacciones
adversas mucocutáneas severas,
caracterizadas por apoptosis masiva
de queratinocitos y desprendimiento
epidérmico agudo (6). Actualmente
se consideran variantes de distinta
<
10% de área de piel desprendida,
NET por >30%, mientras que entre
0–30% se habla de síndrome de
1
superposición SJS/NET (2). Son
emergencias dermatológicas raras
pero de alta letalidad; su incidencia
global se estima entre ~1–2 casos