Toxic epidermal necrolysis

Question 1

Toxic epidermal necrolysis

Answer 1

• life-threatening condition
• most commonly caused by adverse drug reaction

Question 2

Features of toxic epidermal necrolysis

Answer 2

• systemically unwell (pyrexia, tachy)
• +ve nikolskys sign

Question 3

Drug causes of toxic epidermal necrolysis

Answer 3

• phenytoin
• penicillins
• allopurinol
• NSAIDs
• carbamazepine
• sulphonamides

Question 4

Management of toxic epidermal necrolysis

Answer 4

• stop precipitating factor
• supportive care (volume loss & electrolyte derangement)
• IV immunoglobin
• other: immunosuppresive agents (ciclosporin), plasmaphoresis