What is Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis?
Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a serious skin disease that if not properly treated has the potential to be life threatening. Toxic epidermal necrolysis, also referred to as TEN, is very similar to the skin disorder known as Stevens Johnson syndrome. Similarly to Stevens Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis also involves the development of a rash that spreads throughout the body. Toxic epidermal necrolysis, like Stevens Johnson syndrome, also involves the growth of blisters or sores on the mucous membranes of the eyelids, nose, mouth, genitals, and gastrointestinal and lower respiratory tract. In addition, toxic epidermal necrolysis also causes the epidermal, or top layer, of the patient's skin to peel off in sheets from large areas of the body. This loss of skin involved in toxic epidermal necrolysis is similar in nature to injuries from severe burns. Patients who are treated for this skin condition are often cared for in the burn units of hospitals. Patients need to be carefully treated as these injuries to the skin have the potential to lead to serious infections. The raw, damaged areas of the skin may seep fluids and salts and the exposed tissue is highly vulnerable to infection. These resulting infections are the most common cause of death in patients who suffer from toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Causes of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Toxic epidermal necrolysis can occur at any age, however most cases usually occur in older adult populations. Some reports attribute this to the fact that older people tend take more medications than younger populations. The skin condition is most often caused by a reaction to certain types of medications including, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticonvulsants, and certain categories of antibiotics including sulfa and penicillin. Some cases of toxic epidermal necrolysis may be caused by infection.
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Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis and Bextra
The NSAID known as Bextra, marketed by Pfizer, has been linked to severe skin side effects including toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens Johnson syndrome. According to some reports, the FDA has received 87 reports of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and other skin reactions in Bextra patients. Thirty-six of these Bextra patients were hospitalized due to these side effects while four patients have died. As a result of the link between these skin conditions and Bextra, along with cardiovascular side effects attributed to the drug, Bextra was voluntarily removed from the market by Pfizer in April of 2005, at the request of the FDA.
Questions and Consultations
If you or a family member suffers from symptoms of toxic epidermal necrolysis you should contact a physician immediately. If you would like to discuss your rights, are interested in more information on toxic epidermal necrolysis litigation, or if you have information about the cases that you would like to share with us, please fill out the short evaluation form below and a member of Seeger Weiss LLP’s experienced staff will call you to discuss your potential rights concerning toxic epidermal necrolysis. Attorney consultations incur no obligation on your part and all initial consultations are free of charge and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Seeger Weiss LLP has office locations in both New York and New Jersey and its attorneys practice in courts throughout the country.
Link To Lawyer Seek's Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Content:
<a href='http://www.lawyerseek.com/Practice/Medical-Injury-C19/Toxic-Epidermal-Necrolysis-P80/'>Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: Lawyer Seek</a> |
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