Author(s) Charles CA, Leon A, Banta MR, Kirsner RS, et al.

Journal International journal of dermatology. Date of publication 2007 Oct 1;volume 46(10):1095-9.

Abstract 1. Int J Dermatol. 2007 Oct;46(10):1095-9. Etanercept for the treatment of refractory pyoderma gangrenosum: a brief series. Charles CA(1), Leon A, Banta MR, Kirsner RS. Author information: (1)Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA. BACKGROUND: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare ulcerative inflammatory condition of unknown etiology. Therapy for PG involves local wound care along with topical and systemic anti-inflammatory and other immunodulatory agents. Etanercept is one such immunomodulator with activity against the inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of etanercept in the treatment of PG ulcers. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on seven patients with 11 refractory PG ulcers treated with subcutaneous injections of etanercept (25-50 mg twice weekly). RESULTS: All seven patients with PG responded well to etanercept. Eight of the 11 ulcers (73%) completely healed with the mean time of (12.5 weeks), while the other three ulcers had marked reduction in size (within 8-18 weeks). Etanercept was well tolerated. No serious side-effects were reported. Only one patient discontinued the drug secondary to side-effects. CONCLUSION: Etanercept is an alternative treatment option for patients with refractory ulcers due to PG. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2007.03286.x PMID: 17910724 [Indexed for MEDLINE]

Source ID (e.g. PMID): 17910724