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Updated: May 20, 2026
07:22
A Standardized Procedure of Dressing Management for Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Published on: March 14, 2025
Ocular involvement in toxic epidermal necrolysis
J Palmares1, O Correia, L Delgado
1Departments of Ophthalmology, Oporto, Portugal.
Ocular Immunology and Inflammation
|July 26, 2012
Summary
Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) causes severe skin and mucosal damage, frequently affecting the eyes. Survivors often experience chronic ocular complications, significantly impacting their long-term health and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Dermatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), also known as Lyell's syndrome, is a severe, life-threatening condition often triggered by adverse drug reactions or infections.
- It is characterized by extensive epidermal detachment and significant mucosal membrane involvement.
- The underlying pathophysiology is not fully understood but is thought to involve immune-mediated processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the ocular manifestations in patients diagnosed with drug-induced TEN.
- To analyze the acute and chronic ocular complications in a cohort of TEN patients.
- To assess the long-term impact of ocular involvement on patient morbidity.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of ten cases of drug-induced TEN over a four-year period.
- Detailed analysis of ocular findings during both the acute and chronic phases of the disease.
- Correlation of ocular involvement with the extent of epidermal loss and systemic disease severity.
Main Results:
- All ten patients exhibited ocular involvement, with varying degrees of epidermal loss (24-95% body surface area).
- Acute ocular findings included conjunctivitis, inflammatory membranes, punctate epithelial keratitis, and corneal ulcers.
- Chronic complications observed in survivors comprised keratoconjunctivitis sicca, symblepharon, entropion with trichiasis, and corneal neovascularization.
Conclusions:
- Ocular involvement is a near-universal complication of drug-induced TEN.
- Survivors of TEN frequently experience persistent ocular issues, contributing substantially to their overall morbidity.
- Early recognition and management of ocular complications are crucial for improving long-term outcomes in TEN patients.
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