What is the recommended initial management for Stevens-Johnson syndrome according to the material?

What is the recommended initial management for Stevens-Johnson syndrome according to the material?

• A. Fluids and high-protein parenteral nutrition
• B. Steroids
• C. Plasmapheresis
• D. IVIG

Answer: (A)

Stevens-Johnson syndrome causes extensive skin and mucous membrane loss, which leads to major fluid, electrolyte, and protein depletion along with a high metabolic demand for healing. The most important early step is to stabilize the patient with aggressive fluid resuscitation and nutritional support so that circulation, tissue perfusion, and wound healing can occur effectively. When oral intake is not possible due to mucosal involvement, high-protein parenteral nutrition helps meet the body’s increased protein and energy needs and supports recovery. Therapies like steroids, plasmapheresis, or IVIG have not shown consistent, clearly beneficial results as initial management and do not directly address the critical issues of fluid balance and nutrition. Therefore, fluids and high-protein nutrition form the best initial approach to management.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome causes extensive skin and mucous membrane loss, which leads to major fluid, electrolyte, and protein depletion along with a high metabolic demand for healing. The most important early step is to stabilize the patient with aggressive fluid resuscitation and nutritional support so that circulation, tissue perfusion, and wound healing can occur effectively. When oral intake is not possible due to mucosal involvement, high-protein parenteral nutrition helps meet the body’s increased protein and energy needs and supports recovery. Therapies like steroids, plasmapheresis, or IVIG have not shown consistent, clearly beneficial results as initial management and do not directly address the critical issues of fluid balance and nutrition. Therefore, fluids and high-protein nutrition form the best initial approach to management.