Pathology · single question

Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a severe mucocutaneous hypersensitivity reaction with widespread skin/mucosal blistering and sloughing, is most classically triggered by:

  1. A drug allergy/hypersensitivity reaction (the most common and classically tested trigger)
  2. Vitamin deficiency alone
  3. Dental caries
  4. Normal aging
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Correct answer: A. A drug allergy/hypersensitivity reaction (the most common and classically tested trigger)

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (and its more severe form, toxic epidermal necrolysis) is most classically triggered by a severe drug hypersensitivity reaction (common culprits include certain antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and NSAIDs), though rare infection-triggered cases are also recognized. It's a dermatologic/mucosal emergency with significant oral involvement (severe mucositis, hemorrhagic crusting of the lips).

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