Charles CA, Leon A, Banta MR, Kirsner RS, et al.
International journal of dermatology. Date of publication 2007 Oct 1;volume 46(10):1095-9.
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]
Appears in following Topics:
