Mafenide-induced pseudochondritis.
Wound infections following burns of the ear can result in the devastating complication of chondritis, requiring resection of cartilage. To prevent this, it has become common practice to dress the burned ear with mafenide acetate. We have observed six hypersensitivity reactions to the mafenide that occurred following several weeks of continuous use of the drug. The reaction mimics chondritis, causing edematous, erythematous, pruritic ears with a profuse serous exudate. There is no associated fever, systemic signs, or pain on motion of the cartilage. Treatment consists of stopping the mafenide. Recovery occurs within 72 hours. Differentiating between chondritis, with its required surgical and antibiotic treatment, and a hypersensitivity reaction is necessary to avoid further iatrogenic injury.
Perry
A W
AW
University of Chicago, IL 60637.
Gottlieb
L J
LJ
Krizek
T J
TJ
Parsons
R W
RW
Goodwin
C W
CW
Finkelstein
J L
JL
Madden
M R
MR
D000328:Adult; D001734:Bites, Human / Q000188:drug therapy; D002056:Burns / Q000188:drug therapy; D002357:Cartilage Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008272:Mafenide / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D010032:Otitis Externa / Q000139:chemically induced; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000009:adverse effects*
D009824:Ointments; D013449:Sulfonamides; D008272:Mafenide