This concept, within dermatology, defines Stevens-Johnson syndrome as a predominantly drug-mediated, T-cell-mediated cytotoxic attack on keratinocytes that occupies a mid-point on a disease severity spectrum bounded by erythema multiforme (milder) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (more severe). Because the immune attack targets keratinocytes rather than the basement membrane, it produces thin-walled, easily ruptured bullae (distinct from tense bullae of basement-membrane-targeted disease) and a positive Nikolsky sign, with rapid progression, constitutional symptoms, and high morbidity/mortality from extensive skin and mucosal involvement.
This concept, within dermatology, defines Stevens-Johnson syndrome as a predominantly drug-mediated, T-cell-mediated cytotoxic attack on keratinocytes that occupies a mid-point on a disease severity …