Definition:
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis or TEN - also called Lyell's Syndrome - is a potentially life-threatening disorder characterized by extensive loss of skin resembling the effects of scalding. It is extremely rare, estimated to be 2.2 to 12.3 cases per million population in the United States. It begins with a 2-3 day period of flu-like symptoms including headache, body aches, fever, nausea, vomiting, congestion, cough, etc. One-third of patients develop conjunctivitis (pinkeye). Twenty-five to 28 percent of patients develope sore throat and/or itching. Eventually skin begins to slough off accompanied by burning pain, and there may be erosion of channels normally lined with mucus.
TEN may be caused by medications, infections, or unknown factors. Bipolar Disorder drugs that can cause this condition are Depakote (valproic acid) and Lamictal (lamotrigine). Some researchers believe TEN is a more extensive version of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.
Reference:
Cohen, V., and Jellinek, S.P.. Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. eMedicine. 16 May 2006. WebMD. 23 Oct 2006.
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis or TEN - also called Lyell's Syndrome - is a potentially life-threatening disorder characterized by extensive loss of skin resembling the effects of scalding. It is extremely rare, estimated to be 2.2 to 12.3 cases per million population in the United States. It begins with a 2-3 day period of flu-like symptoms including headache, body aches, fever, nausea, vomiting, congestion, cough, etc. One-third of patients develop conjunctivitis (pinkeye). Twenty-five to 28 percent of patients develope sore throat and/or itching. Eventually skin begins to slough off accompanied by burning pain, and there may be erosion of channels normally lined with mucus.
TEN may be caused by medications, infections, or unknown factors. Bipolar Disorder drugs that can cause this condition are Depakote (valproic acid) and Lamictal (lamotrigine). Some researchers believe TEN is a more extensive version of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.
Reference:
Cohen, V., and Jellinek, S.P.. Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. eMedicine. 16 May 2006. WebMD. 23 Oct 2006.
