Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJSTEN) related to insecticide: Second case in the literature and potential implications

Introduction. Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJSTEN) is a rare acute drug reaction characterized by the brutal destruction of the superficial layer of the skin and mucosa. SJSTEN is favoured by some drugs (90 % of cases) and genetic factors. It occurs at any age in both sexes. The pathophysiology is not completely understood. To our knowledge, only one case linked to an insecticide has been described. We present the second case involving a combination of lambdacyhalothrin and thiamethoxam. Observation. A 34-year-old farmer was admitted in emergency for a severe allergic reaction occurring few days after the use of an insecticide to treat his field with no particular precaution. The disease progression was swift: deterioration of general condition, generalized itching, blisters, bubbles, hyperthermia, tachycardia, significant oral pain and oral lesions and dysphagia. Hands, feet were concerned and external genitalia was responsible for burning urination. Oral lesions have rapidly evolved from edema to infected lesions. The diagnosis of SJSTEN was confirmed by histopathology. After complete assessment and adequate treatment, the patient was discharged after 17 days of hospitalization. The etiological research concluded to a probable poisoning by lambdacyhalothrin and thiamethoxam. Discussion. This is the second published case of a SJSTEN linked to an insecticide combining lambdacyhalothrin and thiamethoxam. Manufacturers, users, regulators and physicians should take these data into account. (C) 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.