Core Viewpoint - The recent case of an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) after improper medication highlights the urgent need for improved medication safety for children in China [1][2]. Group 1: TEN and Its Risks - TEN is a rare but severe drug-induced skin reaction with a mortality rate ranging from 14.8% to 30% [2]. - Symptoms of TEN progress in stages, starting with fever and fatigue, followed by skin lesions and potential multi-organ involvement [2]. - Children are at higher risk for TEN due to their immature immune systems and skin barriers, with clinical data indicating that 40% of affected children may experience liver damage [2][3]. Group 2: Medication Safety and Guidelines - Medications are responsible for over 90% of TEN cases, with Nimesulide identified as a common trigger for children [3]. - The use of Nimesulide is prohibited for children under 12 in China due to its potential to cause liver damage and immune reactions [3]. - Parents are advised to avoid self-purchasing unverified combination medications and to consult medical professionals regarding their children's medication history [3][4]. Group 3: Broader Implications of Improper Medication - Incorrect medication can lead to various health issues in children, including Reye's syndrome from aspirin and severe allergic reactions from other medications [4]. - The lack of pediatric-specific medications and appropriate dosing information remains a significant challenge in China, with only 3.2% of drugs approved specifically for children [4][5]. Group 4: Policy and Future Directions - The Chinese government has initiated several policies to enhance pediatric medication safety, including encouraging the development of child-specific drugs and improving clinical trial foundations [5][6]. - Local governments are also taking steps to address the imbalance in pediatric drug availability and to ensure that child-specific formulations are prioritized in healthcare systems [5][6].

Core Viewpoint - The recent case of an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) after improper medication highlights the urgent need for improved safety in pediatric medication practices [1][2]. Group 1: TEN and Its Risks - TEN is a rare but severe drug-induced skin reaction with a mortality rate ranging from 14.8% to 30% [2]. - Symptoms of TEN progress in stages, starting with fever and fatigue, followed by skin lesions and potential multi-organ involvement [2]. - Children are at higher risk for TEN due to their immature immune systems and skin barriers, with 40% experiencing liver damage and 75% facing eye injuries [2][3]. Group 2: Medication Safety and Guidelines - Medications account for over 90% of TEN cases, with Nimesulide being a common trigger for children, leading to liver damage and immune reactions [3]. - Parents are advised to avoid self-medicating with unclear compound drugs and to use acetaminophen or ibuprofen under specific conditions [3][4]. - The use of certain medications like aspirin and dipyrone is discouraged due to severe side effects, and combination cold medications should be approached with caution [4]. Group 3: Challenges in Pediatric Medication - As of the end of 2023, only 3.2% of marketed drugs are specifically for children, with over 40% of pediatric drug labels lacking dosage information [5]. - There are ongoing issues with the availability of suitable pediatric formulations and the need for more clinical trials [5][6]. Group 4: Policy and Future Directions - The government has initiated policies to encourage the development of pediatric drugs and improve medication management [6][7]. - Local initiatives aim to enhance the quality and availability of children's medications, including prioritizing pediatric formulations in insurance coverage [6][7].