Benefits of the use of porcine skin for the management of toxic epidermal necrolysis injuries: Review of the literature

Abstract

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare immune-mediated adverse skin reaction; secondary in most cases to the administration of a drug. Due to its high mortality, immediate diagnosis and management in an intensive care unit is essential. In addition, temporary coverage of skin lesions should be performed to avoid fluid loss, reduce pain and prevent infection. An alternative for this is the use of porcine skin, which has been shown to have good aesthetic results in the management of TEN.

Objective

To demonstrate the benefits provided by the use of porcine skin as a biological dressing in TEN injuries in the Plastic, Reconstructive and Burn Surgery service of the Arzobispo Loayza National Hospital.

Method

Descriptive, retrospective study of TEN cases referred to our service from 2016 to 2020 where 9 patients were found, with dermal involvement >30 % of total body surface area (TBSA) and who underwent porcine skin as a biological dressing.

Results

The most frequent identifiable cause of TEN was the use of antibiotics. The mortality was 33 %. Total epithelialization of the lesions was obtained in 7 of the 9 patients (77 %) and the mean epithelialization time was 14.2 days.

Conclusion

The use of the porcine skin dressing is effective in patients with TEN and favors its re-epithelialization.