Chemotherapy‐induced skin toxicity and capillary leak syndrome

Abstract

Background The occurrence of chemotherapy‐related adverse cutaneous reactions in the setting of capillary leak syndrome (CLS) is quite rare. Our objective was to identify the type of skin reactions associated with CLS. Methods Leukemia or hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients between January 2010 and December 2017 were identified, and medical records were reviewed for a dermatology consultation occurring concomitantly with CLS. Results Five patients were identified, two with a diagnosis of toxic erythema of chemotherapy (TEC) and three others with a skin diagnosis of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Pathology of all patients was available for clinical‐pathologic confirmation. Conclusions Although TEC is generally self‐limited, both TEC and TEN can present with severe adverse skin manifestations during CLS secondary to toxicity from chemotherapy.

Differences between Stevens‐Johnson syndrome versus toxic epidermal necrolysis

“…The main differences, as suggested in such as dialysis to extract the causative drug can be life-saving to these patients as described previously. 5,6 No statistically significant histopathological marker of SJS or TEN was identified in our study ( The triggers identified in our study, including medications and pathogens, were similar to those reported previously. 4,7 Our patients underwent standard treatment approaches as reported previously, including supportive care, IVIG, and steroids.…”

“…Death is usually caused by resulting multi‐organ damage. Early and rapid mechanisms such as dialysis to extract the causative drug can be life‐saving to these patients as described previously 5,6 …”