Stevens-Johnson syndrome in India - Risk factors, ocular manifestations and management

We conducted a study to analyse the presentation, risk factors, ocular mani festations and ophthalmic management results of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (S JS) in Indian patients. A total of 20 patients with SJS with ocular involve ment were studied. Female predominance (70%) was observed. The age ranged f rom 10 to 30 years (mean +/- SD: 16.85 +/- 5.96), The commonest precipitati ng risk factor was oral drug intake (80%), sulphonamide (30%; sulphamethoxa zole-trimethoprim) being the commonest. One patient had reaction to ciprofl oxacin which has not been reported previously. Four patients (20%) had spon taneous onset with no identifiable risk factor. None of the patients had sp ecific infection per se as a risk factor, Conjunctival involvement and its sequelae were the major ocular manifestations. At presentation, the majorit y of the eyes (68%) had visual acuity less than 3/60, Despite appropriate m edical treatment and surgical interventions (11 eyes; 28%) vision continued to deteriorate, In 1 eye, the vision improved after stem cell transplantat ion. Therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty could preserve ocular integrity i n 1 patient, Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.