The application of comet assay in monitoring of the immunosuppression level in a patient with toxic epidermal necrolysis: A case report

Abstract

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) represents the most serious affection within the SCARs group (Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions). It is an autoimmune disease manifested by extensive epidermal and mucosal exfoliation. The basic approach in the therapy of patients suffering from toxic epidermal necrolysis is the administration of immunosuppressive medications. Comet assay is a fast, sensitive and relatively easy method used to detect DNA damage levels. We present a case report of a woman with toxic epidermal necrolysis treated with cyclosporine A. During the therapy, comet assay was used to detect the level of DNA damage of circulating lymphocytes and it helped us to reveal qualitative abnormalities in these cells. Keywords: Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Immunosuppression, Comet assay