toxic epidermal necrolysis

toxic epidermal necrolysis A widespread, lifethreatening skin disorder that is most often druginduced, involving widespread death and destruction of skin and mucous membranes. Abbreviated TEN. TEN is thought to be a variant of the same disease process as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and is believed to arise because of the abnormal death of keratinocytes, the cells that form skin and mucous membranes. Serious complications include infections that develop in damaged tissue and spread to the bloodstream (sepsis), gastrointestinal bleeding, respiratory failure, and fluid loss that can progress to kidney failure. Treatment includes supportive management in an intensive care setting. See also Stevens-Johnson syndrome.