aetiology

Last reviewed 02/2023

Stevens-Johnson is caused by the same factors which cause erythema multiforme, but is seen more often as a response to drugs such as sulphonamide, some sedatives, NSAID's penicillins and tetracyclines (1).

It may also occur as a result of

• infection - Mycoplasma pneumoniae (most frequent infectious cause in children), Herpes simplex, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, hepatitis B virus, Epstein-Barr virus, group A streptococci and orf
• neoplasia
• other systemic disease (inflammatory bowel disease) (1).

Reference:

• 1. Ravin K.A et al. Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Atypical Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: A Case Series. Pediatrics 2007;119: e1002-e1005