Allopurinol-Induced Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is an extremely rare condition characterized by separation of dermoepidermal junctions, necrosis, and subsequent detachment of the epidermis over large cutaneous areas. TEN can emerge after exposure to certain medications such as allopurinol, aromatic anticonvulsants, NSAIDs, nevirapine, and antibacterial sulfonamides. There is no standard protocol for TEN, and the therapy of choice varies from one patient to another. Some of these therapies include silver-releasing wraps/dressings, glucocorticoids, antibodies to inhibit Fas-mediated keratinocyte apoptosis, and cyclosporine A. A 35-year-old male with an allergy to antibacterial sulfonamides who was being treated for arterial hypertension and hyperuricemia with captopril and allopurinol, respectively, was admitted to hospital. The patient showed skin detachment affecting approximately 95% of his surface area, including his face, upper and lower extremities, trunk, back, oropharyngeal mucosa, anal mucosa, ocular mucosa, and genital mucosa. Intravenous methylprednisolone at a dosage of 40 mg/day for 7 days along with abrasive cures was found to be an appropriate treatment in this case.