Etanercept Combined with Glucocorticoid and Gamma Globulin for Treating Children with Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Case Report

Abstract

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a type of drug eruption in dermatology emergencies that is rare in clinical practice but has a high mortality rate. The main causes are drug and viral infections. Unfortunately, no expert consensus on treating this disease exists, and a standard therapy is absent. Up to now, glucocorticoids combined with gamma globulin are commonly used in clinical practice, but their efficacy is highly controversial. This study reports on a 7-year-old girl with TEN who did not respond to traditional therapy, such as methylprednisolone combined with gamma globulin, but was finally cured with an additional low-dose etanercept. The results showed that etanercept therapy in paediatric TEN is safe, reliable and worth recommending.

Evaluation of the Factors Influencing Mortality in Patients with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Multicenter Study of 166 Patients

“…The absence of large randomized controlled trials prevents the establishment of a standard pharmacological treatment for SJS-TEN. However, there are publications suggesting that immunomodulatory treatments and combinations could be beneficial because of the immunological nature of the disease [ 18 – 21 ]. Whether the observed outcomes are attributable to these treatments or the cessation of the triggering drug and supportive care leads to remission remains uncertain.…”