Previously, patient N.T.T (67 years old, living in Ho Chi Minh City) was prescribed to use erythromycin - an antibiotic commonly used to treat respiratory and skin infections. However, after about three days of taking the drug, the patient had unusual symptoms: completely red skin, bulging, peeling, ulcers, typical manifestations of rare Lyell syndrome (also known as toxic tocopene necrotizing).
After being treated at two medical facilities but not improving, the patient was transferred to Military Hospital 175 in critical condition. Upon receiving the information, Lieutenant Colonel, Doctor CKII Than Van Hung - Deputy Head of the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery - directly examined and assessed this as a particularly serious case, with a risk of death of over 50% and needed to be transferred to a specialized treatment unit.
At the time of hospitalization, the skin damage spread almost all over the body, many areas of skin were peeling, necrosized, and sucked, especially serious in the pressured areas such as the back and buttocks. The patient was in severe pain and could not sit up on his own, accompanied by signs of infection and severe poisoning.
Doctors immediately activated a specialized treatment regimen: intensive resuscitation, broad-spectrum antibiotics, immunosuppressants, varicose vein nutrition, wound care and daily ban date. Due to the large area of damage, each change of ribbon lasts nearly 2 hours, need to mobilize 5-6 employees to coordinate continuously, ensuring absolute sterility.
Dr. Than Van Hung shared: Lyell syndrome is a condition of complete loss of skin protection function, the patient is susceptible to infections and immune disorders. Especially for people with many underlying diseases, treatment is even more difficult. This is a battle to regain life every hour".
After 10 days of active treatment, the patient gradually improved: fever decreased, pain decreased, and healthy skin began to recover. By June 4, 2025, the patient was discharged from the hospital in a stable state, with only about 10% of her injuries and was able to walk on her own.
Lyell syndrome (TEN - Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis) is a serious over-reaction to drugs, causing necrosis of the epidermis and peeling all over the body. This is a rare disease, but there is a very high risk of death if not treated promptly, especially in the elderly or those with many underlying diseases.
