Labs in SJS/TEN

Q: Which laboratory abnormality is more common in Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN)? 

A) lymphopenia 
B) eosinophilia


Answer: A 

 As SJS/TEN appears to be more like a reactive disease in response to drugs or underlying diseases, it may be assumed that eosinophilia would a feature of SJS/TEN. In contrast, anemia and lymphopenia, are more common in SJS/TEN. It is followed by neutropenia in about one-third of patients. The presence of neutropenia is usually associated with a poor prognosis but may go undetected due to the use of systemic steroids as a treatment. 

Eosinophilia is not very common in STS/TEN.

#dermatology
#laboratory-medicine


References:

1. Roujeau JC, Chosidow O, Saiag P, Guillaume JC. Toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell syndrome). J Am Acad Dermatol 1990; 23:1039. 

2. Westly ED, Wechsler HL. Toxic epidermal necrolysis. Granulocytic leukopenia as a prognostic indicator. Arch Dermatol 1984; 120:721.