Toxic epidermal necrolysis induced by sulfonamide eyedrops.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a case of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) triggered by sulfonamide eyedrops.


METHODS
A 9-year-old white boy with type I diabetes developed fever, constitutional symptoms, and a widespread blistering rash within hours of beginning a course of sulfonamide eyedrops for conjunctivitis. The patient was intubated and treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and systemic and topical corticosteroids.


RESULTS
The patient survived and has bilateral acuities of 20/30 at 12 months of follow-up. Pathological examination of a skin biopsy sample confirmed the diagnosis of TEN.


CONCLUSIONS
TEN is a rare but life-threatening side effect of topical sulfonamide eyedrops.
Fine
Howard F
HF
Edward Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032 , USA. h_f_fine@yahoo.com
Kim
Esther
E
Eichenbaum
Kenneth D
KD
Antoniades
Kristina
K
Williams
Christopher A
CA
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001706:Biopsy; D002648:Child; D003231:Conjunctivitis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007440:Intubation; D008297:Male; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D013262:Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014792:Visual Acuity
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D013449:Sulfonamides