Oral Acetazolamide after Boston Keratoprosthesis in Stevens Johnson Syndrome

• Main Authors: Kumar Radhika, Dohlman Claes H, Chodosh James
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2012-04-01
• Series: BMC Research Notes
• Subjects: Stevens Johnson syndrome; Toxic epidermal necrolysis; Acetazolamide; Glaucoma
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1756-0500/5/205

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) is a rare but severe and sometimes fatal condition associated with exposure to medications; sulfamethoxazole is among the most common causes. We sought to address the safety of acetazolamide, a chemically related compound, in patients with prior SJS/TEN and glaucoma. A retrospective case series is described of patients at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary who underwent keratoprosthesis surgery for corneal blindness from SJS/TEN, and later required oral acetazolamide for elevated intraocular pressure.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>Over the last 10 years, 17 patients with SJS/TEN received a Boston keratoprosthesis. Of these, 11 developed elevated intraocular pressure that required administration of oral acetazolamide. One of 11 developed a mild allergic reaction, but no patient experienced a recurrence of SJS/TEN or any severe adverse reaction.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Although an increase in the rate of recurrent SJS/TEN due to oral acetazolamide would not necessarily be apparent after treating only 11 patients, in our series, acetazolamide administration was well tolerated without serious sequela.</p>