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  • Perinatal/Neonatal Case Presentation
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Perinatal/Neonatal Case Presentation

Diagnostic dilemma: extremely low birth weight baby with staphylococcal scalded-skin syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis

Journal of Perinatology volume 26, pages 714–716 (2006)Cite this article

Abstract

Exfoliative skin diseases of the neonate are relatively rare but when present require rapid diagnosis and treatment to decrease morbidity and mortality associated with these entities. We present the case of a 795 g premature male infant who developed exfoliative lesions on day of life 66. Skin and blood cultures were obtained and intravenous antibiotics initiated. Results of a Tzanck smear suggested toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), so the infant was emergently transferred to a local children's hospital with burn unit capabilities for further care. Further histopathological evaluation of the skin biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of staphylococcal scalded-skin syndrome (SSSS). The desquamation ceased 24 h after the initiation of antibiotic therapy, and the skin lesions resolved within 10 days. We discuss the pathogenesis of SSSS and TEN and highlight the importance of early diagnosis so appropriate treatment can be initiated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA

    J C Coleman & N R Dobson

  2. Department of Pediatrics, National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA

    N R Dobson

  3. Department of Pediatrics, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA

    N R Dobson

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  1. J C Coleman
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  2. N R Dobson
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Correspondence to N R Dobson.

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Author disclosure: Drs Coleman and Dobson do not have any financial relationships relevant to this article. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy of the Department of Army, Department of Navy, Department of Defense or US Government.

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Coleman, J., Dobson, N. Diagnostic dilemma: extremely low birth weight baby with staphylococcal scalded-skin syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis. J Perinatol 26, 714–716 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211599

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