Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome (TENS) - What is it?
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), also known as Lyell's Syndrome, is said to be a more severe form of Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) with mortality and morbidity rates that are much higher than SJS. Like SJS, TEN & Lyell's Syndrome are a immune complex-mediated hypersensitivity complex that is a severe expression of erythema multiforme and involves the skin and mucous membranes. Again, as with SJS, there is significant involvement of oral, nasal, eye, vaginal, urethral, GI, and lower respiratory tract mucous membranes in Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TENS) is a very rare, very serious, and life threatening disease that requires great amounts of treatment. TENS does not discriminate. No matter one's age, race, sex or family medical history, if taking the wrong drug or OTC medication anyone can be affected.
In the case of the oral, nasal, and ocular membranes, it is likely that the mucosal pseudomembrane formation may lead to mucosal scarring and loss of function of the involved organ system leaving the patient blind and unable to breathe, eat or speak on their own.
Current SJS Litigation
Our firm is currently investigating and representing SJS & TENS victims involving these 4 popular drugs:
Levaquin (levofloxacin) - an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus, skin, and urinary tract infections. Levaquin belongs to a class of drugs called fluoroquinolones.
Other Drugs that Can Cause TENS
In over fifty percent of cases, TEN is caused by an adverse reaction to medications. Penicillins and sulfa antibiotics, along with anticonvulsants and COX-2 inhibitors have all been recorded as causal factors in cases of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) over the past years. NSAID's (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Ibuprofen and Children's Motrin, sold over-the-counter, are said to be leading causes of TEN. The fact is physicians are not required by law to report these adverse reactions to the FDA and, as a result, more and more new drugs that have the capability of causing TEN continue to be introduced.
According to medical experts and the current literature, once a patient is diagnosed with TEN - Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, any medication that may have been a factor in the onset of the disease should be withdrawn. Mortality rates are known to decrease if this action is taken quickly. There is no way to stop the progression of the disease however, only to treat the symptoms. If the patient's eyes become an issue, as they most likely will, an ophthalmologist should be brought in immediatley to examine and treat the the eyes. Doing so can greatly increase the patients chances of coming out of the illness with proper ocular function.
By far the most threatening and painful symptom of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is detachment of the epidermis from the dermis. Unlike SJS, Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis can result in detachment of one hundred percent of the epidermis from the dermis. When detachment occurs, the TENS patient is treated in the burn unit and may remain there for anywhere from 6 days to 4 months. In the burn unit, physicians will replace the TENS patient's fluids and electrolytes, normally via an IV saline drip. Often, the TENS patient will undergo debridement of the detached skin and receive a skin graft. Topical antiseptics are used to fight the possibility of superinfection. Long term complications with TEN are typically seen on the surface with immense scarring and altered pigmentation.
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) Lawsuits - Talk to a Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome (TENS) or a loved one has died for complications of Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) then immediately call the Willis Law Firm in Houston, Texas to discuss the legal options available to you and your family. Mr. Willis is a Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, licensed in Texas & New York, with over 25+ years of legal experience in all areas of product liability and defective drug litigation. All Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) cases are accepted on a contingency fee basis!
