Use of Biobrane in the treatment of toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome is an exfoliative dermatologic disorder of unknown origin resulting in the loss of epidermis in a sheetlike fashion at the dermoepidermal junction. The resulting wound renders the patient vulnerable to potential septic complications, fluid and protein losses, and severe pain. During the past decade treatment of toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome has incorporated the basic tenets of burn care: appropriate fluid resuscitation, nutritional support, infection surveillance and treatment, and optimal care of the open wound. Biobrane, a readily available and effective biosynthetic skin substitute, has been successfully used in the treatment of toxic epidermal necrolysis syndrome and provides a safe and reliable method to achieve wound closure. Its successful use requires a thorough understanding of application and removal techniques. Once adherent, it avoids the cost and pain associated with repeated dressing changes.