Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Patient on Amphetamines with Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) is a life threatening disease. Marked keratinocyte apoptosis attributes extensive epidermis detachment. It is mostly drug-related. Aside from the common culprits such as allopurinol, anticonvulsants, antibiotics and Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), some reports pointed out that Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive patients and amphetamine abusers suffer greater incidence of TEN. We report such a case. Although the pathophysiology of TEN is still veiled, it is believed that complex immune responses play an important role. Further studies for understanding this lethal disease need to be proceeded. Sepsis and multiple organ failure are the major causes of death. Prompt diagnosis and intensive care are imperative.