title: Fatal phenytoin-related toxic epidermal necrolysis: case report.
abstract: Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a rare but often fatal hypersensitivity reaction to numerous agents, including most anticonvulsants. The authors present a case of fatal phenytoin-related toxic epidermal necrolysis in a patient who was given prophylactic anticonvulsant therapy after he sustained a moderately severe closed head injury. The typical course and current management of toxic epidermal necrolysis are reviewed, as are the indications for the prophylaxis of posttraumatic epilepsy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia.
authors.forename: D F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Hope
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000633:toxicity*; D013262:Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D010672:Phenytoin