Multidisciplinary Treatment in Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Abstract

Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Leyll’s syndrome (TEN), is a rare mucocutaneous blistering disease burdened with high mortality rates. The diagnosis of TEN is based on clinical symptoms and histopathological findings. In approximately 90% of cases, it is a severe adverse reaction to drugs. In TEN, not only is the skin affected, but also mucosa and organs’ epithelium. There are no unequivocal recommendations in regard to systemic and topical treatment of the patients. The aim of this paper is to review available literature and propose unified protocols to be discussed. Early management and multidisciplinary treatment are necessary to improve patients’ outcome. Treatment of patients with TEN suspicions should be initiated with early drug withdrawal. TEN patients, like patients with burns, require intensive care and multidisciplinary management. Each patient with TEN should be provided with adequate fluid resuscitation, respiratory support, nutritional treatment, pain control, infection prophylaxis, anticoagulant therapy, and gastric ulcer prophylaxis. The key to local treatment of patients with TEN is the use of nonadherent dressings that do not damage the epidermis during the change. The aim of the systemic treatment is purification of the blood stream from the causative agent. The most efficient way to clarify serum of TEN patients’ is the combination of plasmapheresis and IVIG. Immunomodulatory therapy can reduce the mortality five times in comparison with the patients with immunosuppression or lack of full protocol.