Facing up to toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare but life-threatening mucocutaneous adverse drug reaction. The disease is characterized by a specific and extensive destruction of the epidermis and mucosal epithelia, particularly of the mouth, genitalia and eyes. The TEN pathomechanism is probably initiated by a toxic drug metabolism inside keratinocytes, leading to a self-activation of apoptosis and necrosis. These events are boosted by additional effects of T lymphocytes and macrophages. At present there is still a lack of validated mainstay treatment for TEN. However, a few treatment modalities have been reported to halt TEN progression in some patients.
Piérard
Gérald E
GE
University Hospital Sart Tilman, Department of Dermatopathology, Liège, Belgium. gerald.pierard@ulg.ac.be
Paquet
Philippe
P
D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D010597:Pharmacogenetics / Q000379:methods; D013262:Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*