Case Series of 3 Infants with Erythema Multiforme Following Hepatitis B Vaccination

Publication date: Available online 23 May 2015 Source:Pediatrics & Neonatology Author(s): Zhen Han Tan , Koh Cheng Thoon , Mark Jean-Ann Koh Erythema multiforme (EM) is an acute, self-limited, and sometimes recurring mucocutaneous condition characterized by distinctive target lesions, with most cases in children being associated with infections. EM occurs mainly in children, adolescents and young adults, and rarely in neonates and infants. Here, we report 3 one-month old infants who developed EM following hepatitis B vaccination, with no other associated signs and symptoms of infection. In all the infants, the rash resolved completely within 1-3 weeks, with no recurrence thereafter even with subsequent vaccinations. Clinicians who vaccinate children on a regular basis should be aware of the association between hepatitis B vaccination and EM, as this may help avoid unnecessary investigations in evaluating the etiology of EM. Parents should be reassured that EM following immunization is not a contraindication for continuing the vaccination course.
Source: Pediatrics and Neonatology - Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Source Type: research