Özet:

Erythema multiforme (EM) is an acute inflammatory hypersensitivity reaction of skin and mucous membranes that usually develop due to infections and drugs and can be seen in all age groups. Few studies have been in Chilhood. in this study we aimed to evaluate the patientswith EM in ourclinic. Material And Method: 16 patients who were hospitalized with diagnosis of EM between July 2003–June 2004 were evaluated retrospectively in terms of clinical findings, etiology, treatment and prognosis. Results and Discussion: Eleven mele ( 68.8%) and 5 female patients were enrolled and the age range was between 8 months -16 years (mean 5.7 years c 53. l month). While the lesions were limited to the skin in 81.2% of the patients, mucosal involvement was accompanied in 18. 8% of the patients. Underlying etiological factors of EM were mastly infections followed by drugs and vaccination in only one patient. However, 18.8% of the patients, no definitive cause was determined. Skin biopsies were signed in 3 patients with suspicious lesions. Pathological examinations revealed EM, leukocytoclastic vasculitis and superficial perivascular dermatitis respectively in these patients. While all patients received systemic antihistaminic, 9 of them were given steroid and five were given clarithromyein additionally. it is sometimes difficult to determine the etiology of EM in pediatric patients because of infections and drug use at the seed time. Skin biopsy may be done in patients with uncertain lesi ons forthe differential diagnosis of EM. Although steroid therapy is style debated in treatment of EM, it may be useful in the treatment of level patients.

Anahtar Kelimeler: