Lyell's syndrome (the second name is Stevens-Johnson syndrome) is a severe allergic reaction, manifested in the detachment and death of the upper skin layer, as well as the intoxication of the whole organism as a result of the ongoing reaction. Lyell's syndrome is considered to be the second most complicated course after anaphylactic shock due to the condition arising from the hypersensitivity of a person to certain substances. Lyell's syndrome, called "toxic epidermal necrolysis", was first described in 1956, but until now there is no consensus in the medical community about the onset of the disease.
Causes of Lyell's Syndrome
In most cases, Lyell's syndrome arises as an allergy:
- after taking medications (antibiotics, sulfonamides, etc.), dietary supplements and even vitamin preparations;
- with staphylococcal infection;
- as a result of a change in the reactivity of the immune system when the organism is sensitized by infection in combination with the subsequent exposure of allergenic drugs.
In some cases it is not possible to establish the specific causes of idiopathic reaction, but, as experts note, the risk group includes people suffering:
- dermatitis;
- pollinoses;
- bronchial asthma .
Symptoms of Lyell's Syndrome
The disease usually begins acutely with a temperature increase of 40 degrees or more. In this case, the patient suffers from severe headache and eye pain. Vomiting and diarrhea are noted. After a while, a rash appears on the skin, similar to rashes in measles and scarlet fever, accompanied by itching or painful sensations. First, edematous erythematous spots are localized in the inguinal zone and in the area of the axillary folds, then gradually they begin to occupy the entire surface of the body.
A characteristic feature of Lyell's syndrome is the detachment of skin epidermis with even a very slight contact with the skin of the patient. This opens bleeding erosive formations. In the locations of erythem, bubbles are formed, which, when opened, expose large erosive surfaces with serous exudate. The secondary infection that accompanies causes the erosion to be released, which causes an unpleasant odor from the body. Mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes and genitals also undergo negative changes. The greatest danger to health and life is represented by:
- severe dehydration of the body;
- severe toxicosis;
- high body temperature;
- violation of the cardiovascular system;
- leukocytosis with possible development of agranulocytosis and pancytopenia;
- falling into a coma.
Treatment of Lyell's Syndrome
When there are symptoms characteristic of the disease, you should immediately call an ambulance. The patient is placed in the intensive care unit or intensive care unit. Conditions of stay at the same time are similar to those that are created for patients with burns and frostbite. The main requirement for care and treatment is sterility. The organization of therapy in the Lyell syndrome is as follows:
- Abolition of all drugs used before the development of the syndrome.
- Glucocorticosteroids are prescribed.
- Erosive formations are treated with vegetable oils and vitamin A.
- Saline and colloidal solutions are recommended to replenish the liquid lost by the body.
- Immunomodulators are used.
- When joining a secondary infection, antiseptics and antibiotics are used.
Timely and correctly conducted treatment contributes fairly quickly to the recovery of a patient with Lyell's syndrome.