Wound Management in Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Suprathel® and water-filtered infrared-A radiation (wIRA) as a new treatment strategy for toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN): A prospective study

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a life-threatening condition with a mortality rate of approximately 25 % to 30 %. Early and adequate wound coverage is necessary due to large skin defects. Suprathel® is a modern wound dressing that shows promising results when treating superficial wounds such as scalds, burns and abrasions. Previous reports on wound care in TEN patients using Suprathel® have described radical debridement of the entire affected body surface prior to the application of Suprathel®. However, heavy wound secretion in TEN may result in the loss of a significant portion of Suprathel® over time. Prolonged operation time increases the risk of hypothermia. In addition, the large open wound areas result in an increased risk for hypovolemic shock, wound infection, and subsequent sepsis. This study presents a new strategy that involves serial hydrotherapeutic wound debridement and the stepwise application of Suprathel® to the affected areas. Water-filtered infrared A light (wIRA) was used to keep the Suprathel®-covered areas dry. Retrospective data from patients who received polyhexanide gel treatment (control group 1) and those who only received Suprathel® (control group 2) were collected for matched-pair analysis. The length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the need for catecholamines were compared among the three groups. By using serial debridement and combining wIRA treatment with Suprathel® dressings, we were able to significantly reduce the need for catecholamines, lower the risk of hypothermia and infection, and shorten ICU stay compared to the two control groups. We propose incorporating this methodology into the standard of care to promote wound closure and healing when treating TEN patients.

Role of Silver Nitrate Spray for Skin Wound Care in Patients with Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: Our Experience in 4 Patients

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are examples of severe cutaneous adverse reactions to drugs (SCARs) with several international recommendations for global medical management, ranging from pharmacological systemic therapy to skin wound care. There is no defined best management of the skin wounds in SJS/TEN. The care of wounds is essential to initiate re-epithelialization. Our objective is to improve the cicatrization process, avoiding scarring due to deepening of the wounds, as well as prevent infections, achieve pain control, and avoid loss of serum proteins, fluids, and electrolytes. In this retrospective case series, we highlight the value of systemic therapy and the use of silver nitrate for wound management in four patients with TEN.

Multidisciplinary Treatment in Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

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.

Management of Drug-Induced Epidermal Necrolysis (DEN) in Pediatric Patients: Moving from Drug-Induced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Overlap and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis to a Single Unifying Diagnosis of DEN

Pediatric Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare but life-threating blistering diseases triggered by medications that affect the skin and mucosae. Drug-induced epidermal necrolysis is a better term for medication-triggered cases because there is a spectrum of disease severity that otherwise is divided into the separate entities of SJS, overlap SJS/TEN, and TEN. This manuscript reviews the management of drug-induced epidermal necrolysis (DEN), including diagnosis, investigations to exclude differential diagnoses, and treatment. Diagnosis of DEN relies on clinical features and a detailed medication history. The primary differential diagnosis is reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruption, which can be clinically distinguished by its disproportionate mucous membrane involvement relative to (sparse or absent) skin lesions. Identification and discontinuation of culprit medications is the mainstay of treatment of DEN. Early initiation of immunomodulatory therapy may prevent progression, reducing maximal disease severity and the risk of sequelae. A checklist approach to detailed management of DEN is proposed.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Review of Diagnosis and Management

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are rare diseases that are characterized by widespread epidermal necrosis and sloughing of skin. They are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and early diagnosis and treatment is critical in achieving favorable outcomes for patients. In this scoping review, Excerpta Medica dataBASE and PubMed were searched for publications that addressed recent advances in the diagnosis and management of the disease. Multiple proteins (galectin 7 and RIP3) were identified that are promising potential biomarkers for SJS/TEN, although both are still in early phases of research. Regarding treatment, cyclosporine is the most effective therapy for the treatment of SJS, and a combination of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and corticosteroids is most effective for SJS/TEN overlap and TEN. Due to the rare nature of the disease, there is a lack of prospective, randomized controlled trials and conducting these in the future would provide valuable insights into the management of this disease.