A case report and a proposed algorithm for the transfer of patients with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis to a burn center.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare cutaneous diseases marked by substantial epidermal denudation and are often complicated by sepsis and multiple organ failure. They are most commonly caused by drug therapy. Patients afflicted with these diseases require care that may exhaust the capabilities of medicine wards and medical intensive care units alike; however, their mortality is reduced when treated at burn centers, which are better equipped to treat extensive skin denudation. We report a case of TEN and propose an algorithm to provide guidance for making the critical decision to transfer patients with SJS and TEN to burn units.
Ellis
Michael W
MW
Department of Medicine, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20307-5001, USA.
Oster
Charles N
CN
Turiansky
George W
GW
Blanchard
Jeremy R
JR
D000465:Algorithms; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010360:Patient Transfer; D013262:Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy