Final answer:
Toxic epidermal necrolysis, also known as Steven Johnson's Syndrome, is a severe skin reaction to medication or infection, requiring emergency medical care. It differs from staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome which affects children with skin redness and peeling. Pro-inflammatory cytokines in large amounts can cause septic shock through a systemic inflammatory response.
Step-by-step explanation:
Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), commonly referred to as Steven Johnson’s Syndrome (SJS), is a rare and serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. Often, it is a reaction to a medication or an infection. Symptoms typically start with a fever and flu-like symptoms, followed by the appearance of painful red or purplish rashes that spread and blister, leading to the top layer of skin dying and shedding. It’s a medical emergency that usually requires hospitalization, typically in burn units or intensive care units because of the need for similar types of care.
Comparatively, diseases like staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) primarily affect children and infants and present with skin redness and peeling which might resemble scalding. In contrast, streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome (STSS) can occur after streptococcal soft tissue infections like cellulitis or necrotizing fasciitis. STSS leads to a more severe pathophysiology, with a significant risk of mortality even with aggressive therapy.
Large amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines can lead to septic shock as they trigger a widespread inflammatory response. The overproduction of cytokines affects the entire body, leading to blood vessel dilation, hypotension, and impaired organ perfusion, which can become life-threatening as seen in conditions like TSS.