Supportive therapy for a patient with toxic epidermal necrolysis undergoing plasmapheresis.

ABSTRACT

A patient with severe toxic epidermal necrolysis underwent 2 cycles of therapeutic plasma exchange and received specialized wound care for widespread skin damage of more than 80% of his body surface area. Extensive involvement of mucous membranes, including the conjunctivas and the oropharyngeal cavity, and damage of his genitourinary organs required meticulous wound care. Daily care of injuries of tissues affected only in the most severe cases of toxic epidermal necrolysis was provided by an experienced intensive care unit nursing team. A meticulous supportive therapy regimen was a major contributing factor to this patient's remission.