Single dose etanercept monotherapy for treating Stevens–Johnson syndrome

Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction to drugs and less commonly infections. The entity represents one end of the spectrum of SJS-TEN (Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis) complex. Together, both conditions contribute to the majority of Severe Cutaneous Drug Reactions (SCARs) with high mortality and morbidity. Clinically, it presents with widespread painful erythematous macules, targetoid lesions, full-thickness or focal epidermal necrosis while mucosal involvement involves oral, genital, and ocular mucous membranes along with preceding prodromal flu like symptoms. While there is no consensus on the treatment of choice, systemic steroids, intravenous immunoglobulin and cyclosporin are most often employed for specific management of SJS-TEN. We report a case of SJS managed with a single dose of etanercept monotherapy.