Severe toxic epidermal necrolysis precipitated by amphetamine use

Australas J Dermatol. 2006 May;47(2):114-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-0960.2006.00243.x.

Abstract

A 48-year-old man presented with a maculopapular truncal rash 9 days following intravenous amphetamine use. He subsequently developed widespread bullae over his trunk and upper limbs. Treatment was initially commenced with intravenous hydrocortisone. A diagnosis of toxic epidermal necrolysis was made and the treatment was changed to intravenous immunoglobulin at a lower dose than requested. At the height of the reaction, there was 90% body surface area involvement with tri-mucosal involvement. His response to the intravenous immunoglobulin was poor and was complicated by infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Gradual re-epithelialization took place over the next 6 weeks.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amphetamines / administration & dosage
  • Amphetamines / adverse effects*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methicillin Resistance
  • Middle Aged
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Staphylococcal Infections / complications
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / complications
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / etiology
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / pathology
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous*

Substances

  • Amphetamines