Airway management in a patient with Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis: a case report

Abstract

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), of which toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a more severe variant, is a cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction, usually triggered by certain prescribed medications. Airway management in SJS/TEN poses significant challenges, particularly when there is facial skin and oropharyngeal mucosal and/or laryngeal involvement. There is limited literature guiding definitive airway management in patients with severe SJS/TEN. We describe a case utilizing transnasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange (THRIVE) to preoxygenate and maintain apneic oxygenation as a means of avoiding facemask ventilation and excessive airway instrumentation in a patient with SJS/TEN involving the face and oral mucosa. This case report demonstrates the use of THRIVE as a tool to optimize oxygenation and safe airway management in situations where conventional approaches may be challenging.