STEVENS-JOHNSON-SYNDROME AND RESPIRATORY-FAILURE IN A 9-YEAR-OLD BOY

The etiology of respiratory failure associated with Stevens-Johnson sy ndrome may be multifactorial, including upper airway involvement, pneu mothorax/pneumomediastinum, and direct involvement of the respiratory mucosa, Respiratory failure from direct involvement of the respiratory mucosa is relatively uncommon, We describe a 9-year-old boy who had r espiratory failure associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae-induced Steve ns-Johnson syndrome, Bronchoscopic examination of the airways revealed sloughed mucosa, ulcerative lesions, and inspissated secretions indic ative of lower airway involvement with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Altho ugh the mainstay of therapy is supportive care with controlled ventila tion, rigid bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage to clear the airw ays of the debris was an invaluable adjunct to this patient's care.