Delirium associated with moxifloxacinin a patient with toxic epidermal necrolysis due to methazolamide: a case report

Background: Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a potentially life-threatening adverse drug reaction characterized by extensive epidermal detachment and mucosal erosions. While delirium is a known complication in critically ill patients, its association with TEN remains poorly characterized. Case: We report a case of moxifloxacin-induced delirium with psychotic features in a patient who developed TEN secondary to methazolamide following orbital trauma. Physical examination revealed erythematous plaques with multiple flaccid bullae and widespread skin sloughing involving more than 40% of the total body surface area. The SCORTEN score was calculated as 2, corresponding to a predicted mortality rate of 12.1%. The patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, systemic glucocorticosteroids, and supportive care. During hospitalization, she developed delirium attributable to moxifloxacin administration, which resolved promptly upon drug discontinuation. Conclusion: Delirium in critically ill dermatological conditions such as TEN is often multifactorial in origin. It may arise as a direct complication of severe systemic illness or as an adverse effect of necessary pharmacotherapy, with fluoroquinolones representing a well-recognized precipitant.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Frontiers in Pharmacology
Published
2026-04-15
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2026.1803575
Primary Topic
Drug-Induced Adverse Reactions
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Delirium associated with moxifloxacinin a patient with toxic epidermal necrolysis due to methazolamide: a case report

Ming-Yi Ruan, Ze-Hu Liu
Frontiers in Pharmacology
Drug-Induced Adverse Reactions
article

Delirium associated with moxifloxacinin a patient with toxic epidermal necrolysis due to methazolamide: a case report

Ming-Yi Ruan, Ze-Hu Liu
article en

Abstract

Background: Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a potentially life-threatening adverse drug reaction characterized by extensive epidermal detachment and mucosal erosions. While delirium is a known complication in critically ill patients, its association with TEN remains poorly characterized. Case: We report a case of moxifloxacin-induced delirium with psychotic features in a patient who developed TEN secondary to methazolamide following orbital trauma. Physical examination revealed erythematous plaques with multiple flaccid bullae and widespread skin sloughing involving more than 40% of the total body surface area. The SCORTEN score was calculated as 2, corresponding to a predicted mortality rate of 12.1%. The patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, systemic glucocorticosteroids, and supportive care. During hospitalization, she developed delirium attributable to moxifloxacin administration, which resolved promptly upon drug discontinuation. Conclusion: Delirium in critically ill dermatological conditions such as TEN is often multifactorial in origin. It may arise as a direct complication of severe systemic illness or as an adverse effect of necessary pharmacotherapy, with fluoroquinolones representing a well-recognized precipitant.

Frontiers in PharmacologyVol. 17
Third People's Hospital of Hangzhou (CN)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 23%
Drug-Induced Adverse Reactions
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.