Abstract

STEVENS-JOHNSON SYNDROME SECONDARY TO DAPSONE SENSITIVITY

Sahana G. R.*, Kuruba Nerosha and Dr. R. L. N. Murthy

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Abstract

Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous infection that affects skin, mucus membrane and peripheral nerves. Where, dapsone is the most commonly used as a part of multidrug therapy. Dapsone being effective, carries the risk of Dapsone Hypersensitivity Syndrome (DHS), a rare but serious adverse reaction characterized by systemic symptoms and severe cutaneous manifestations. Which may rarely progress into Stevens - Johnson syndrome (SJS), the most critical complication. The SJS is presented as widespread mucocutaneous blistering along with multi-organs involvement. The present report is a case of a 35-year-old male with leprosy on dapsone therapy developed DHS progressing to SJS. The patient exhibited mucocutaneous lesions, liver dysfunction, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Laboratory investigations revealed significant haematological and biochemical abnormalities. Immediate discontinuation of dapsone, followed by initiation of corticosteroids, antibiotics, supportive therapy, and plasma transfusion led to clinical improvement. This case highlights on interconnected risk between DHS and SJS during dapsone therapy.

Keywords: ADR (Adverse Drug Reaction), Dapsone, DHS (Dapsone Hypersensitivity Syndrome), Genetic screening (HLA-B*13:01), Multidrug therapy, Mucocutaneous lesions, Liver dysfunction, Leprosy, SJS (Stevens - Johnson syndrome).