Rhabdomyolysis as a potential complication of carbamazepine-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis

Abstract

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare and severe exfoliative skin disorder characterized as widespread epidermis destruction and is usually a drug-induced condition. TEN has a high mortality rate, and multisystemic involvement is very frequent. Gastrointestinal, respiratory, hepatic, pancreatic, ocular, and hematological disturbances are common complications of TEN. Here, we report on a 30-year-old male with TEN who developed concurrent rhabdomyolysis. The exact relationship between TEN and rhabdomyolysis remains unknown. Because of lack of underlying etiology, we hypothesized that rhabdomyolysis is a potential TEN-related complication.