Efficacy of Corticosteroids and Intravenous Immunoglobulins in a Patient with Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Secondary to Sulfadoxine: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare life-threatening mucocutaneous reaction characterized by epidermal detachment. Treatment success relies on early diagnosis, rapid withdrawal of the causative drug and supportive care. However, clinical evidence for therapeutic management and specific treatment is insufficient and controversial. We describe the successful management of a TEN case secondary to sulfadoxine managed in our intensive care unit. The patient presented a generalized exanthema with mucocutaneous detachment affecting 45% of the body surface area, positive Nikolsky sign, perianal enanthema and conjunctival hyperemia. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins and corticosteroids was prescribed, as well as calcium folinate to prevent myelotoxicity of the causative drug. In this case, hemodialysis was dismissed due to the low efficiency of this technique in removing the triggering drug. Our case report confirms the efficacy of corticosteroids, IGIV, topical treatment on mucocutaneous lesions and supportive care for the management of TEN secondary to sulfadoxine.

Keywords

• toxic epidermal necrolysis
• sulfadoxine
• critical care
• dermatologic emergencies
• adverse reactions
• drug-induced toxicoderma