Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026

A Standardized Procedure of Dressing Management for Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Published on: March 14, 2025
Toxic epidermal necrolysis induced by sulfonamide eyedrops
Howard F Fine1, Esther Kim, Kenneth D Eichenbaum
1Edward Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032 , USA. h_f_fine@yahoo.com
Purpose:
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.
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