Warfarin‐induced Stevens–Johnson syndrome with severe liver injury

• Main Authors: Hao Xiong, Tao Liu, Jieping Xiao, Jianji Wan, Jie Yang, Gengshi Huang, Yongzhi Han, Guangren Liu, Xiuqin Dong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publishing 2021-07-01
• Series: Journal of International Medical Research
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1177/03000605211033196

Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) is a life-threatening mucocutaneous disease that is predominantly drug-induced. Warfarin is the most commonly used drug for long-term anti-coagulant therapy; however, warfarin-induced SJS/TEN is seldom reported. In this study, we presented the case of a 61-year-old man who developed SJS after receiving multiple-drug therapy following aortic valve replacement surgery. The patient was diagnosed with drug-induced liver injury (DILI) based on significantly abnormal liver function test results. Warfarin was identified as the culprit drug using the algorithm of drug causality for epidermal necrolysis (ALDEN) score, enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay, and Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM). After warfarin discontinuation and corticosteroid therapy, the lesions and liver function test findings improved. Human leukocyte antigen typing was conducted to detect the risk allele. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of warfarin-induced SJS/TEN with DILI. This case suggests that commonly used and safe pharmaceutical agents such as warfarin can potentially cause serious adverse events, including SJS/TEN and DILI. The application of ALDEN, the ELISPOT assay, and RUCAM could be useful in identifying culprit drugs.