A 12-year retrospective study of non-burn skin loss (burn-like syndromes) at a tertiary burns unit in a developing country.
BACKGROUND
A retrospective study of the presentation, etiology, and prognosis of non-burn epidermal loss managed at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital Nigeria over a 12-year period.


METHODS
Admission records of patients managed for non-burn skin loss were retrieved from the medical records. Demographic details of the patients, the initial diagnosis, final diagnosis, treatment and outcome of treatment was noted.


RESULTS
A total of 23 patients were identified, 17 (74%) had idiosyncratic drug reactions. Of this 17, 6 (26%) had Steven Johnson Syndrome, 6 (26%) had Steven Johnson Syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis while 5 (22%) presented with toxic epidermal necrolysis. Three of the five patients with toxic epidermal necrolysis died. The age range of patients with idiosyncratic adverse drug reactions was 2-28 years, mean, 10.18+/-1.44 years and male to female ratio of 1:1.83. The body surface area involved ranged from 8 to 78%; mean 26.65+/-6.08%. The agents suspected for the reactions were Co-trimoxazole (41.2%) and combination of Co-trimoxazole, and Fansidar (17.6%). Other conditions seen were two (9%) Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome, three (13%) had Necrotizing Faciitis, one of whom was HIV positive and died. One (4%) patient presented with pemphigus vulgaris. The presentation and management of the patients was discussed.
Ugburo
A O
AO
Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Lagos/Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. andyugburo@yahoo.com
Temiye
E O
EO
Ilombu
C A
CA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D001458:Bandages / Q000009:adverse effects; D002053:Burn Units; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003906:Developing Countries; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria; D011379:Prognosis; D011739:Pyrimethamine / Q000009:adverse effects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013206:Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D013262:Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D013413:Sulfadoxine / Q000009:adverse effects; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / Q000009:adverse effects
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; C001205:fanasil, pyrimethamine drug combination; D015662:Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; D013413:Sulfadoxine; D011739:Pyrimethamine