Ciprofloxacin-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis

Linezolid and Ciprofloxacin-Induced SJS/TEN (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermolysis Necrosis) Overlap in a Patient With Borderline Personality Disorder During a Single Hospital Stay: A Difficult Case to Manage

SJS/TEN (Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermolysis necrosis) is a T-cell mediated hypersensitivity syndrome in which cytotoxic CD8+ cells react against keratinocytes, resulting in widespread apoptosis and cell necrosis. About 90% of these cases are attributed to drug reactions, while 10% are idiopathic. The disease is classified according to body surface area (BSA) involvement and the thickness of epidermal loss. We report a case of a female with borderline personality disorder on antipsychotic medication, who developed SJS/TEN overlap after taking ciprofloxacin for her urinary tract infection (UTI). Her condition improved with meticulous management, but after switching her antibiotic from intravenous clarithromycin to oral linezolid, she developed SJS/TEN again, this time with more severe involvement. She received active management involving a multidisciplinary approach. Her condition improved slowly and, after one month, her lesions began to heal, and she was discharged with advice not to use both antimicrobial drugs in the future.

Ciprofloxacin-induced cutaneous adverse drug events: a systematic review of descriptive studies

OBJECTIVES

Ciprofloxacin (CIPRO) is a fluroquinolone class antibiotic used commonly for the treatment of various acute and chronic bacterial infections. However, recently there is increase in the case reports of CIPRO-induced Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions (CADRs). We aim to systematically review all the descriptive studies of CIPRO induced CADRs.

METHODS

Medline (via PubMed) was searched without any language or date restriction from inception to March 2019 using search terms of "Ciprofloxacin" and "Cutaneous reactions." We included only the descriptive studies, which elucidate the CADRs experienced by the patients following the administration of CIPRO. Two reviewers involved in study selection, data extraction and quality assessment of the included studies. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus between the reviewers.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine studies (out of 446) were found to be eligible for the final inclusion. The dose of CIPRO among the included studies was ranging from 500 to 1,000 mg/day and duration of treatment was between 7 and 10 days. The most common CADRs observed were toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, fixed drug eruptions, bullous fixed drug reaction, acute generalized pustulosis, erythema multiforme, drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms and erythema nodosum.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of the CIPRO-induced CADRs is recommended with the complete cessation of the CIPRO, followed by supportive management with oral or topical glucocorticoids, emollients, and topical moisturizers. CIPRO is likely to cause CADRs, physicians should be vigilant while prescribing it to the patients.

Ciprofloxacin-Induced Reaction Imitating a Lupus Flare: A Case Report

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can affect almost any organ in the body. It usually runs a chronic course with systemic inflammation, and age at diagnosis varies from 15 to 44 years. Laboratory reports often show high anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) levels, increased anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (anti-dsDNA) levels, and low complement levels. 'Lupus flare' is a term used for an acute exacerbation of previously existing SLE. It usually manifests as an acute worsening of clinical signs and symptoms, along with an abrupt change in typical laboratory values. Triggers for a lupus flare include viral or bacterial infections, acute stress, and various environmental factors such as ultraviolet (UV) light. Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic used for various bacterial infections. On rare occasions, ciprofloxacin can cause adverse effects in the body, which may resemble an acute flare of SLE symptoms in patients with previously controlled disease. We have presented such a case of ciprofloxacin-induced reactions mimicking a lupus flare in an SLE patient.

The rash that presents as target lesions

We have explored the rash that appears as target lesions, with the central and dominant diseases belonging to the Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis group. After presenting the clinical patterns of an individual target lesion and classifying them into different types of lesions, the contribution has been organized with groups characterized by such specific findings according to the type of lesion: flat or raised, typical or atypical, presence or absence of fever, presence or absence of mucosal ulcerations, presence or absence of arthralgias, and/or internal organ involvement. Other specific features, such as histologic appearance, immunofluorescence findings, and laboratory changes, are considered. We provide clinicians with an algorithmic, systematic, and logical approach to diagnose the condition of the patients who present with targetoid lesions, and enable them to differentiate between those with serious systemic and life-threatening diseases from others with ordinary skin ailments.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis presumably induced by norfloxacin

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are rare mucocutaneous, unpredictable, life-threatening drug side reactions. A very rare case of norfloxacin-induced SJS/TEN overlap with uncommon clinical presentation in a patient with a suspected urinary tract infection is reported. The SJS/TEN management with possible treatment capabilities are discussed. In spite of only two previous reports of norfloxacin-induced SJS and TEN we believe that awareness of norfloxacin adverse reactions needs to be raised among prescribers.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis in patients with lupus erythematosus: a descriptive study of 17 cases from a national registry and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are severe cutaneous adverse reactions with high morbidity and mortality. Some expressions of lupus erythematosus (LE) may cause enormous difficulties in differentiating them from SJS and TEN by showing large areas of sheet-like epidermal necrosis.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate clinically and histopathologically probable or definite cases of SJS/TEN with a history of systemic or other LE [(S)LE].

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of validated cases of SJS/TEN with a history of (S)LE, based on a large population-based national registry.

RESULTS

Among 1366 patients with SJS/TEN, 17 with a sufficiently documented history of (S)LE and representative histological material could be identified, suggesting a considerable over-representation of LE in patients with SJS/TEN. Eight of these showed clinically and/or histopathologically some LE-characteristic features interfering with the diagnosis of SJS/TEN. Differentiation could be elaborated on clinical and histopathological grounds: four patients were classified as SJS/TEN with a preceding (S)LE exacerbation and/or LE-typical histopathological features, and four as 'TEN-like' (S)LE.

CONCLUSION

Most patients with SJS/TEN and a history of (S)LE demonstrate clinical and histopathological properties allowing clear differentiation. However, occasionally acute cutaneous manifestations of (S)LE and SJS/TEN can be phenotypically similar, caused by extensive epidermal necrosis. Although no feature by itself is conclusive, a combination of recent (S)LE exacerbation, evident photodistribution, annular lesions and absent or only mild focal erosive mucosal involvement may favour LE over SJS/TEN clinically. Histopathologically, in particular, junctional vacuolar alteration, and the presence of solitary necrotic keratinocytes at lower epidermal levels, combined with moderate to dense periadnexal and perivascular lymphocytic infiltrates with a variable presence of melanophages, and mucin point to a LE-related origin.

Necrólisis epidérmica tóxica en paciente infectado por virus de inmunodeficiencia humana

Introducción: Necrólisis Epidérmica Tóxica es un trastorno multifactorial, en el cual participan, infecciones virales, interacciones medicamentosas, y donde la carga genética cumple un papel importante en la susceptibilidad a las reacciones adversas. Con la presentación de este artículo se quiere exponer el reporte de un caso de una enfermedad poco común en el ámbito médico, pero la cual tiene un alto índice de morbimortalidad, y secuelas. En pacientes con coinfección con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana se aumenta 1000 el riesgo de padecerla. Presentamos un paciente masculino de 32 años, con antecedentes de síndrome convulsivo en manejo con fenobarbital y fenitoína, en coinfección por virus de inmunodeficiencia humana de diagnóstico reciente, sin niveles de CD4, ni carga viral y sin manejo antirretroviral, quien presenta ingestión de ciprofloxacino 12 días antes del inicio de cuadro clínico el cual es consistente con fiebre elevada, lesiones vesiculosas de fondo eritematoso, confluentes, observándose flictenas en pared anterior tórax de contenido seroso, con desprendimiento de la epidermis al ejercer una suave presión sobre la piel afectada dejando áreas húmedas, rojas, Nikolsky positivo,  cuya extensión de las lesiones comprometen el 91% de su superficie corporal total, acompañada además de prurito de moderada intensidad. Durante la estancia hospitalaria se realiza manejo terapéutico con ciclosporina A, e inmunoglobulina G específica humana, cubrimiento antibiótico y antimicótico con evolución satisfactoria del estado hemodinámico del paciente y las lesiones en piel.  [Escalante E, Oliva J, Paez E. Necrólisis epidérmica tóxica en paciente infectado por virus de inmunodeficiencia humana. Reporte de un caso. MedUNAB 2012;15(1):68-72].

Toxic epidermal necrolysis in systemic lupus erythematosus

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is an acute, rapidly evolving mucocutaneous reaction with a high mortality rate characterized by extensive painful cutaneous and mucosal exfoliation and systemic involvement that is frequently associated with medication use. The treatment of this condition is controversial. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a generalized autoimmune disease of unknown etiology characterized by the production of autoantibodies to self antigens. Several case reports in the literature have demonstrated an association between SLE and TEN, and it has been postulated that lupus-associated TEN may exist. In this review, we will explore the association of SLE and TEN, and its diagnosis and treatment.

Generalized Seizure and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis following Levofloxacin Exposure

OBJECTIVE:

To report the case of a ciprofloxacin-allergic patient who developed a generalized tonic—clonic seizure and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) following a single dose of levofloxacin.

CASE SUMMARY:

An 87-year-old white woman was admitted to the hospital following a transient episode of unresponsiveness that had been accompanied by flailing of her limbs. Approximately 4 hours earlier, she had developed a pruritic rash on her trunk and limbs, and 3 hours before this had taken a first dose of levofloxacin. The fluoroquinolone had been prescribed for treatment of an upper respiratory tract infection. She had developed a skin rash approximately 3 years earlier following ciprofloxacin prescribed for a urinary tract infection. On admission, the patient had a normal neurologic examination. She was mildly hypomagnesemic (serum magnesium 1.7 mg/dL), with no other electrolyte imbalances present. Skin biopsy confirmed TEN. The lesions progressed to involve 30% of the body surface area and were managed with polymyxin B and gramicidin cream. Levofloxacin was discontinued on admission, and no anticonvulsants were prescribed. The woman remained seizure-free at discharge one week later.

DISCUSSION:

Generalized tonic—clonic seizures are a rare complication of levofloxacin therapy. TEN following levofloxacin use has, to our knowledge, as of March 28, 2005, been previously reported only once. The seizure and TEN were probably induced by levofloxacin as corroborated by the Naranjo probability scale. We believe that the previous adverse dermatologic reaction to ciprofloxacin sensitized our patient to levofloxacin.

CONCLUSIONS:

These rare adverse reactions to levofloxacin, involving disparate organ systems, can occur simultaneously. A previous dematologic adverse reaction to a fluoroquinolone can sensitize a patient to more severe adverse reactions (with onset after only a single dose of the subsequent fluoroquinolone). Further fluoroquinolone use should be avoided in such patients.

Norfloxacin-Induced Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

OBJECTIVE:

To report a case of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) in a man who was treated with oral norfloxacin for prostatitis.

CASE SUMMARY:

A 40-year-old man presented with a severe skin reaction, which was diagnosed as TEN. He had received norfloxacin 800 mg/day over a 14-day period for prostatitis and, 10 days after finishing the treatment regimen, he developed cutaneous and mucous lesions typical of TEN. After a prolonged hospitalization and treatment with oral prednisolone therapy, fluid resuscitation, and wound dressing, the man recovered.

DISCUSSION:

TEN is an infrequent, yet often fatal, severe systemic and cutaneous disease that is most often an adverse drug reaction. There are few case reports of TEN induced by fluoroquinolones. A MEDLINE search (1966–February 2005) revealed no reports of toxic epidermal necrolysis, but one incidence of Stevens—Johnson syndrome due to norfloxacin therapy. An objective causality assessment suggests that TEN was probably related to norfloxacin in this patient.

CONCLUSIONS:

To our knowledge, this is the first case of TEN associated with the use of oral norfloxacin. We hope that this case report creates awareness that norfloxacin-induced TEN is possible.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome associated with ciprofloxacin: a review of adverse cutaneous events reported in Sweden as associated with this drug

Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a severe mucocutaneous reaction, which can be elicited by various drugs. We present 2 cases with this syndrome associated with ciprofloxacin treatment and review the adverse cutaneous events reported as possibly related to ciprofloxacin treatment in Sweden between 1988 and 2000. Eight cases, excluding ours, of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and erythema multiforme were reported. This implies an annual incidence of these adverse cutaneous events of 0.045 per 100,000 treated patients (assuming an average treatment length of 10 days). One patient died, but ciprofloxacin was not considered to be the major cause of death. Together with previous data from the literature, our report supports the view that ciprofloxacin can cause severe adverse cutaneous events.

The role of gabapentin in treating diseases with cutaneous manifestations and pain

BACKGROUND

Gabapentin was first approved by the FDA in 1993 as an add-on treatment for partial epileptic seizures. In May of 2002, it was approved as treatment for post-herpetic neuralgia by the Food and Drug Administration. It appears to be a promising agent in the treatment of pain, alterations of sensation and pruritus associated with dermatological disease, but no review of these uses exists.

METHODS

Medline and Google searches were performed for the words "Gabapentin" and "Neurontin." The articles found were reviewed. Article identified that contained references to the treatment of skin disease and neuropathic pain were examined and their contents surveyed.

RESULTS

Approximately 1200 articles were located in Medline that referred to Garbapentin or Neurontin. Over 150 articles reviewed its use for neuropathic pain, neuritis or neuralgia of various sorts. Approximately 20 articles reviewed its use for a variety of dermatological conditions or diseases with dermatological manifestations that included: pain control associated with wound dressing changes, erythromelagia, piloleiomyoma related pain, brachioradial pruritus, Glossodynia, vulvodynia, and reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Over 100 articles that related to Gabapentin side effects were reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

Gabapentin is a very promising medication in the treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia and pain. Because dermatological patients suffer pain from painful tumors, after surgery, in conjunction with neuropathic ulcers, during dressing changes involving serious medical conditions, its applications seem manifold. Future studies must assess its role in the treatment of pruritus and other dermatological conditions involving pain or alteration of sensation.

Recurrent fatal drug-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell's syndrome) after putative beta-lactam cross-reactivity: Case report and scrutiny of antibiotic imputability

OBJECTIVE

A series of antibiotics may be responsible for toxic epidermal necrolysis. We report two successive episodes of toxic epidermal necrolysis in the same patient. Drug imputability criteria designate a cross-reactivity between two antibiotics of different chemical classes but sharing the beta-lactam ring in common.

DESIGN

Descriptive case report and review of the literature.

SETTING

Medical intensive care unit in a university medical center. PATIENT AND MAIN RESULTS: A 75-yr-old woman developed a first episode of toxic epidermal necrolysis (involving 40% of the body surface) after intake of cefotaxime, a third-generation cephalosporin. Perfusions of high-dose immunoglobulins rapidly improved the lesions, followed by partial reepithelialization in 5 days. Sepsis required the administration of meropenem, which is a carbapenem antibiotic. The epidermal destruction immediately recurred, with extension to previously uninvolved skin areas and fatal consequences.

CONCLUSIONS

The beta-lactam ring present in cephalosporins and carbapenems represents the putative chemical structure responsible for the presently reported cross-reactivity to two antibiotics of different classes. Drugs having any chemical similarity to the initial culprit compound should be strictly avoided when possible in the management of toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Levofloxacin-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis in an elderly patient

Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are mild-to-life-threatening adverse reactions that have been described after exposure to fluoroquinolones. No published reports, however, exist of exfoliative disease after treatment with levofloxacin. A 78-year-old woman with many medical problems, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, was treated with parenteral levofloxacin for community-acquired pneumonia. She was discharged with oral levofloxacin to complete an additional 3 days of treatment as an outpatient. Two days after completing this regimen, the patient developed a rash with blistering. The rash progressed to TEN in 7 days, and she was transferred to a burn treatment center. She was treated with fluid resuscitation, wound dressing, and antibiotics. Her condition improved, and she was discharged after 22 days. To our knowledge, this case is the first published report of levofloxacin-induced TEN.

Ofloxacin: a probable cause of toxic epidermal necrolysis

OBJECTIVE

To report a fatal case of toxic epidermal necrolysis in a man who was treated with oral ofloxacin for epididymitis.

CASE SUMMARY

A 75-year-old white man received 23.6 grams of ofloxacin over a 51-day period for epididymitis. He experienced a severe skin reaction diagnosed as toxic epidermal necrolysis. The man died from complications related to toxic epidermal necrolysis.

DISCUSSION

Toxic epidermal necrolysis is an infrequent, yet often fatal, severe, systemic, cutaneous disease most often the result of an adverse drug reaction. Fluoroquinolones have rarely been implicated in cases of toxic epidermal necrolysis. A MEDLINE search from 1966 to December 2000 revealed no reports of toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme, or Stevens-Johnson syndrome due to ofloxacin therapy. However, a large case-control study included three cases of either Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis associated with ofloxacin use, but no details of the cases were given. This report rules out other causes of toxic epidermal necrolysis and implicates ofloxacin in what appears to be an atypical presentation of drug-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis.

CONCLUSIONS

There is very little published information regarding ofloxacin-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis. There are a few case reports of other fluoroquinolones that have been associated with toxic epidermal necrolysis. It is hoped that this case report creates awareness that ofloxacin-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis is possible.