[Lyell' syndrome: a review with special regard to the form caused by drugs (author's transl)].

The clinical evolution of Lyell' syndrome (LS), its complications, the histological findings, the nosological position and the differentiation from erythema exsudativum multiforme are dealt with. There are at least two etiological forms of LS: the LS caused by staphylococci, and the LS caused by drugs. The former mainly occurs in children, and is caused by staphylococci of the phagous group II, while the latter is mainly caused by sulfonamides, pyrazolones, penicillines, barbiturates and salicylates. The causative responsibility of a certain drug can be proved by three criteria: 1. Relapse of LS after exposure to the same drug. 2. Allergy to the drug taken before the onset of LS. 3. Positive allergy tests. The hypothesis concerning the pathogenesis of LS caused by drugs, the differential diagnosis and therapeutical guidelines are dealt with.