Review of intravenous immunoglobulin in the treatment of stevens-johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Abstract

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare and serious cutaneous adverse reactions. There is controversy over the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in the treatment of SJS or TEN. The lack of randomized controlled trials to assess the benefits and risks of IVIG is due to its low prevalence and the high mortality rate associated with these cutaneous adverse reactions, especially in TEN. This article reviews published literature on case series that either supports or refutes the use of IVIG in the treatment of SJS or TEN.