Abstract

Introduction: Toxic epidermal necrolysis in children is a life-threatening emergency requiring prompt withdrawal of the culprit drug, transfer to an experienced center, and intensive supportive care. Case Report: An 11-year-old girl developed toxic epidermal necrolysis involving 90 percent of total body surface area after exposure to a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, with concomitant viral positivity. At the referring pediatric hospital, on day 2 the patient received high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin 2 g/kg and a single infusion of infliximab 5 mg/kg. She was transferred on day 6 to our Burn Unit. Histopathology confirmed complete epidermal loss. Treatment included IgM- and IgA-enriched intravenous immunoglobulin over 72 h and methylprednisolone 0.74 mg/kg/day for 30 days. Cryopreserved amniotic membrane was applied to trunk and limbs, and fluorescent light energy to the face. Complete re-epithelialization occurred within 14 days without complications. Pain resolved rapidly, with a Visual Analog Scale score of 0 on day 2. At 6 months, skin and mucosae were intact with only transient dyschromia. Conclusions: In this child with extensive toxic epidermal necrolysis and high predicted mortality, IgM/IgA-enriched immunoglobulin, low-dose corticosteroid and early staged cryopreserved amnion were associated with infection-free, complete re-epithelialization and full functional recovery.

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