Herbal-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome with oral involvement and management in an HIV patient

herbal medicine HIV management Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Authors

  • S. Suniti Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
  • Irna Sufiawati
    irna.sufiawati@fkg.unpad.ac.id
    Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
September 30, 2018

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Background:Stevens-Johnsonsyndrome (SJS) is an immunecomplex-mediated hypersensitivity reaction affectingthe skin and mucousmembranes. Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at increased risk of developingSJS which is predominantly caused by an adverse reaction to medications, includingherbal varieties. In recent years, the consumption of herbal medicines has increased, while their safety remainsa matter for investigation. Purpose: The purpose of this case reportis to explain the occurrence of SJS caused by herbal medicine. Case: A 43-year-old male patient with body-wide skin erosion was referred to the Department of Oral Medicine andsubsequently diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson syndrome due to his consumption of a herbal medicine containing zingiber rhizoma, coboti rhizoma, asari herbal and epimedi. The patient's chief complaints included difficulty whenopening themouth, dysphagia and excessive production of saliva continuously contaminated with blood and sputum. Extraoral examination showed a sanguinolenta crust on the lips. Intra oral examination of oral mucous showed erosive lesions with bleeding and pain. A HIV test performed at a Clinical Pathology Laboratory was positive for antibodies against HIV with a CD4 cell count of 11 cells/ml. Case management:Treatment consisted of the administering of NaCl 0.9 %, hydrocortisone 0.1% and Chlorhexidine digluconate 0.12% for 12  days.Conclusion: SJS can be caused by herbal medicine and it is essential to be aware of the latter's potential adverse effects, especially in immunocompromised patients. Symptomatic management of oral lesions should be planned as an early intervention in order to decrease morbidity and mortality in SJS patients.