Fatal case of toxic epidermal necrolysis induced by ciproflfl oxacin in a child

Abstract

Bullous drug eruptions such as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) are rare but known adverse reactions of fluoroquinolones. Although uncommon, TEN can be life-threatening for the patient, especially in the context of delayed treatment and in fragile patients such as the pediatric population. In the present case, TEN occurred in a 13-year-old girl with no medical history following initiation of ciprofloxacin treatment for an inguinal cyst. We hope that the case report will make interrogate the practices concerning the use of antibiotics, in particular fluoroquinolones in the context of an use not prescribed by the Marketing Authorization of the drug in children.