Stevens-Johnson syndrome as an unusual adverse effect of azithromycin.

Abstract

Stevens-Johnson syndrome mostly involves the skin and mucous membranes. The diagnosis is made when the characteristic rash appears 1 to 3 weeks after exposure to a known stimulus and cannot be explained by some other diagnosis. A 62-year-old woman was admitted for evaluation of toxo-allergic dermatitis and collagenosis. Ten days prior to admission she was taking a course of azithromycin for upper respiratory tract infection. After a few days she was feeling better but maculopapular, erythematous rash developed over her palms, accompanied by fever and chills as well as reddish discoloration around her eyes. Within the next few days the rash progressed to the feet. Routine hematologic, biochemical and immunologic studies did not confirm the diagnosis of inflammatory rheumatic disease. Corticosteroid therapy with methylprednisolone (1 mg/kg) for the presumed Stevens-Johnson syndrome was started and her condition improved in several days; she became afebrile and her skin lesions gradually disappeared. There is only one report, in a child, documenting the association of Stevens-Johnson syndrome with azithromycin, as in this patient.

• Authors: Neva Brkljacić, Sonja Gracin, Ingrid Prkacin, Mirjana Sabljar-Matovinović, Anna Mrzljak, Zlatka Nemet
• Journal: Acta dermatovenerologica Croatica : ADC (Acta Dermatovenerol Croat) Vol. 14 Issue 1 Pg. 40-5 ( 2006) ISSN: 1330-027X [Print] Croatia
• PMID: 16603101 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Azithromycin

Topics

• Anti-Bacterial Agents (adverse effects)
• Azithromycin (adverse effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Respiratory Tract Infections (drug therapy)
• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (chemically induced)