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ENERO 2.004
JANUARY 2.004
THE BEXTRA (VALDECOXIB)
250 SIDE EFFECTS !!!!, CELEBREX, CIPROFLOXACIN, LAMOTRIGINE, TOXIC
EPIDERMAL NECROLYSIS

Data-Médicos
Dermagic/Express MEDermatology Journal
Enero 2.004 / January 2.004
1.) THE BEXTRA (VALDECOXIB) SIDE
EFFECTS.
2.) Valdecoxib-induced toxic epidermal
necrolysis in a patient allergic to sulfa.
3.) New Warnings for Bextra
(Valdedcoxib).
4.) Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
due to administration of Celecoxib (CELEBREX).
5.) Ciprofloxacin-induced toxic
epidermal necrolysis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.
6.) Lupus-associated toxic epidermal
necrolysis: a novel manifestation of lupus?.
7.) Suspected lamotrigine-induced toxic
epidermal necrolysis.
8.) A study of the efficacy of
plasmapheresis for the treatment of drug induced toxic epidermal necrolysis.
9.) Treatment of toxic epidermal
necrolysis with intravenous immunoglobulin.
10.) High-dose intravenous
immunoglobulin for severe drug reactions: efficacy in toxic epidermal
necrolysis.

1.) THE BEXTRA (VALDECOXIB) SIDE EFFECTS
Source: Https://www.rxlist.com/
Of the patients treated with BEXTRA Tablets in controlled
arthritis trials,2665 were patients with OA,and 2684 were patients with RA.More
than 4000 patients have received a chronic total daily dose of BEXTRA 10 mg or
more.More than 2800 patients have received BEXTRA 10 mg/day,or more,for at least
6 months and 988 of these have received BEXTRA for at least 1 year.
Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Table 4 lists all adverse events,regardless of causality,that occurred in ³ 2.0%
of patients receiving BEXTRA 10 and 20mg/day in studies of three months or
longer from 7 controlled studies conducted in patients with OA or RA that
included a placebo and/or a positive control group.
In these placebo- and active-controlled clinical trials, the discontinuation
rate due to adverse events was 7.5% for arthritis patients receiving valdecoxib
10 mg daily, 7.9% for arthritis patients receiving valdecoxib 20 mg daily and
6.0% for patients receiving placebo.
In the seven controlled OA and RA studies, the following adverse events occurred
in 0.1–1.9% of patients treated with BEXTRA 10 –20 mg daily, regardless of
causality.
Application site disorders: Cellulitis, dermatitis contact
From Our Sponsors
Cardiovascular:Aggravated hypertension, aneurysm, anginapectoris,
arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disorder,
heart murmur, hypotension
Central, peripheral nervous system: Cerebrovascular disorder, hypertonia,
hypoesthesia, migraine, neuralgia, neuropathy, pares-thesia, tremor, twitching,
vertigo
Endocrine: Goiter
Female reproductive: Amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, leukorrhea, mastitis,
menstrual disorder, menorrhagia, menstrual bloating, vaginal hemorrhage
Gastrointestinal: Abnormal stools, constipation, diverticulosis, dry mouth,
duodenal ulcer, duodenitis, eructation, esophagitis, fecal incontinence, gastric
ulcer, gastritis, gastroenteritis, gastroe-sophageal reflux, hematemesis,
hematochezia, hemorrhoids, hemorrhoids bleeding, hiatal hernia, melena,
stomatitis, stool frequency increased, tenesmus, tooth disorder, vomiting
General: Allergy aggravated, allergic reaction, asthenia, chest pain,
chills, cyst NOS, edema generalized, face edema, fatigue, fever, hot flushes,
halitosis, malaise, pain, periorbital swelling, peripheral pain Hearing and
vestibular: Ear abnormality, earache, tinnitus
Heart rate and rhythm: Bradycardia, palpitation, tachycardia
Hemic: Anemia
Liver and biliary system: Hepatic function abnormal, hepatitis, ALT
increased, AST increased
Male reproductive: Impotence, prostatic disorder
Metabolic and nutritional: Alkaline phosphatase increased, BUN increased,
CPK increased, creatinine increased, diabetes mellitus, glycosuria, gout,
hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, hyperkalemia, hyperlipemia, hyperuricemia,
hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, LDH increased, thirst increased, weight decrease,
weight increase, xerophthalmia
Musculoskeletal: Arthralgia, fracture accidental, neck stiffness,
osteoporosis, synovitis, tendonitis
Neoplasm: Breast neoplasm, lipoma, malignant ovarian cyst
Platelets (bleeding or clotting): Ecchymosis, epistaxis, hematoma NOS,
thrombocytopenia
Psychiatric: Anorexia, anxiety, appetite increased, confusion,
depression, depression aggravated, insomnia, nervousness, morbid dreaming,
somnolence
Resistance mechanism disorders: Herpes simplex, herpes zoster, infection
fungal,infection soft tissue, infection viral, moniliasis, moniliasis genital,
otitis media
Respiratory: Abnormal breath sounds, bronchitis, bronchospasm, coughing,
dyspnea, emphysema, laryngitis, pneumonia, pharyngitis, pleurisy, rhinitis
Skin and appendages: Acne, alopecia, dermatitis, dermatitis fungal,
eczema, photosensitivity allergic reaction, pruritus, rash erythematous, rash
maculopapular, rash psoriaform, skin dry, skin hypertrophy, skin ulceration,
sweating increased, urticaria
Special senses: Taste perversion
Urinary system: Albuminuria, cystitis, dysuria, hematuria, micturition
frequency increased, pyuria, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infection
Vascular: Claudication intermittent, hemangioma acquired, varicose vein
Vision: Blurred vision, cataract, conjunctival hemorrhage,
conjunctivitis, eye pain, keratitis, vision abnormal
White cell and RES disorders: Eosinophilia, leukopenia, leukocytosis,
lymphadenopathy, lymphangitis, lymphopenia
Other serious adverse events that were reported rarely (estimated <0.1%) in
clinical trials, regardless of causality, in patients taking BEXTRA:
Autonomic nervous system disorders: Hypertensive encephalopathy,
vasospasm
Cardiovascular: Abnormal ECG,aortic stenosis, atrial fibrillation,
carotid stenosis, coronary thrombosis, heart block,heart valve disorders, mitral
insufficiency, myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia, pericarditis,
syncope, thrombophlebitis, unstable angina, ventricular fibrillation
Central, peripheral nervous system: Convulsions
Endocrine: Hyperparathyroidism
Female reproductive: Cervical dysplasia
Gastrointestinal: Appendicitis, colitis with bleeding, dysphagia,
esophageal perforation, gastrointestinal bleeding, ileus, intestinal
obstruction, peritonitis
Hemic: Lymphoma-like disorder, pancytopenia
Liver and biliary system: Cholelithiasis
Metabolic: Dehydration
Musculoskeletal: Pathological fracture, osteomyelitis
Neoplasm: Benign brain neoplasm, bladder carcinoma, carcinoma, gastric
carcinoma, prostate carcinoma, pulmonary carcinoma
Platelets (bleeding or clotting): Embolism, pulmonary embolism,
thrombosis
Psychiatric: Manic reaction, psychosis
Renal: Acute renal failure
Resistance mechanism disorders: Sepsis
Respiratory: Apnea, pleural effusion, pulmonary edema, pulmonary
fibrosis, pulmonary infarction, pulmonary hemorrhage, respiratory insufficiency
Skin: Basal cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma
Urinary system: Pyelonephritis, renal calculus
Vision: Retinal detachment
Postmarketing Experience
The following reactions have been identified during postmarketing use of BEXTRA.
These reactions have been chosen for inclusion either due to their seriousness,
reporting frequency, possible causal relationship to BEXTRA, or a combination of
these factors. Because these reactions were reported voluntarily from a
population of uncertain size, it is not possible to reliably estimate their
frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
General: Hypersensitivity reactions (including anaphylactic reactions and
angioedema)
Skin and appendages: Erythema multiforme, exfoliative dermatitis,
Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis
DRUG INTERACTIONS
The drug interaction studies with valdecoxib were performed both with valdecoxib
and a rapidly hydrolyzed intravenous prodrug form. The results from trials using
the intravenous prodrug are reported in this section as they relate to the role
of valdecoxib in drug interactions.
General: In humans,valdecoxib metabolism is predominantly mediated via CYP 3A4
and 2C9 with glucuronidation being a further (20%) route of metabolism.In
vitrostudies indicate that valdecoxib is a moderate inhibitor of CYP 2C19 (IC50
= 6 µg/mL),and a weak inhibitor of both 3A4 (IC50 = 44µg/mL) and 2C9 (IC50 = 13
µg/mL).In view of the limitations of in vitrostudies and the high valdecoxib
IC50 values,the potential for such metabolic inhibitory effects in vivoat
therapeutic doses of valdecoxib is low.
Aspirin: Concomitant administration of aspirin with valdecoxib may result
in an increased risk of GI ulceration and complications compared to valdecoxib
alone.Because of its lack of anti-platelet effect valdecoxib is not a substitute
for aspirin for cardiovascular prophylaxis.
In a parallel group drug interaction study comparing the intravenous prodrug
form of valdecoxib at 40 mg BID (n=10) vs placebo (n=9),valdecoxib had no effect
on in vitroaspirin-mediated inhibition of arachidonate- or collagen-stimulated
platelet aggregation.
Methotrexate: Valdecoxib 10 mg BID did not show a significant effect on
the plasma exposure or renal clearance of methotrexate.
ACE-inhibitors: Reports suggest that NSAIDs may diminish the antihypertensive
effect of ACE-inhibitors.This interaction should be given consideration in
patients taking BEXTRA concomitantly with ACE-inhibitors.
Furosemide: Clinical studies,as well as post-marketing observations, have
shown that NSAIDs can reduce the natriuretic effect of furosemide and thiazides
in some patients.This response has been attributed to inhibition of renal
prostaglandin synthesis.
Anticonvulsants: Anticonvulsant drug interaction studies with val-decoxib
have not been conducted.As with other drugs,routine monitoring should be
performed when therapy with BEXTRA is either initiated or discontinued in
patients on anticonvulsant therapy.
Dextromethorphan: Dextromethorphan is primarily metabolized by CYP 2D6
and to a lesser extent by 3A4.Coadministration with val-decoxib (40 mg BID for 7
days) resulted in a significant increase in dextromethorphan plasma levels
suggesting that,at these doses,val-decoxib is a weak inhibitor of
2D6.Dextromethorphan plasma concentrations in the presence of high doses of
valdecoxib were almost 5-fold lower than those seen in CYP 2D6 poor
metabolizers.
Lithium: Valdecoxib 40 mg BID for 7 days produced significant decreases
in lithium serum clearance (25%) and renal clearance (30%) with a 34% higher
serum exposure compared to lithium alone. Lithium serum concentrations should be
monitored closely when initiating or changing therapy with BEXTRA in patients
receiving lithium.Lithium carbonate (450mg BID for 7 days) had no effect on
valdecoxib pharmacokinetics.
Warfarin: The effect of valdecoxib on the anticoagulant effect of
warfarin (1 – 8 mg/day) was studied in healthy subjects by coadminis-tration of
BEXTRA 40 mg BID for 7 days.Valdecoxib caused a statistically significant
increase in plasma exposures of R-warfarin and S-warfarin (12% and
15%,respectively),and in the pharmacodynamic effects (prothrombin time,measured
as INR) of warfarin.While mean INR values were only slightly increased with
coadministration of valdecoxib,the day-to-day variability in individual INR
values was increased.Anticoagulant therapy should be monitored,particularly
during the first few weeks,after initiating therapy with BEXTRA in patients
receiving warfarin or similar agents.
Fluconazole and Ketoconazole: Ketoconazole and fluconazole are
predominantly CYP 3A4 and 2C9 inhibitors, respectively. Concomitant single dose
administration of valdecoxib 20 mg with multiple doses of ketoconazole and
fluconazole produced a significant increase in exposure of valdecoxib.Plasma
exposure (AUC) to valdecoxib was increased 62% when coadministered with
flucona-zole and 38% when coadministered with ketoconazole.
Glyburide: Glyburide is a CYP 3A4 substrate.Coadministration of
valdecoxib (10 mg BID for 7 days) with glyburide (5 mg QD or 10 mg BID) did not
affect the pharmacokinetics (exposure) of glyburide.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Valdecoxib was not carcinogenic in rats given oral doses up to 7.5mg/kg/day for
males and 1.5mg/kg/day for females (equivalent to approximately 2- to 6-fold
human exposure at 20 mg QD as measured by the AUC(0-24hr)) or in mice given oral
doses up to 25mg/kg/day for males and 50mg/kg/day for females (equivalent to
approximately 0.6- to 2.4-fold human exposure at 20 mg QD as measured by the
AUC(0-24hr)) for two years..
Valdecoxib was not mutagenic in an Ames test or a mutation assay in Chinese
hamster ovary (CHO) cells,nor was it clastogenic in a chromosome aberration
assay in CHO cells or in an in vivomicronucleus test in rat bone marrow.
Valdecoxib did not impair male rat fertility at oral doses up to 9.0mg/kg/day
(equivalent to approximately 3- to 6-fold human exposure at 20 mg QD as measured
by the AUC (0-24hr)).In female rats,a decrease in ovulation with increased pre-
and post-implantation loss resulted in decreased live embryos/fetuses at doses ³
2 mg/kg/day (equivalent to approximately 2-fold human exposure at 20mg QD as
measured by the AUC (0-24hr) for valdecoxib).The effects on female fertility
were reversible.This effect is expected with inhibition of prostaglandin
synthesis and is not the result of irreversible alteration of female
reproductive function.
Pregnancy
Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category C.
The incidence of fetuses with skeletal anomalies such as semi-bipartite thoracic
vertebra centra and fused sternebrae was slightly higher in rabbits at an oral
dose of 40 mg/kg/day (equivalent to approximately 72-fold human exposures at
20mg QD as measured by the AUC(0-24hr)) throughout organogenesis.Valdecoxib was
not teratogenic in rabbits up to an oral dose of 10 mg/kg/day (equivalent to
approximately 8-fold human exposures at 20 mg QD as measured by the
AUC(0-24hr)).
Valdecoxib was not teratogenic in rats up to an oral dose of 10mg/kg/day
(equivalent to approximately 19-fold human exposure at 20 mg QD as measured by
the AUC (0-24hr)).There are no studies in pregnant women.However,valdecoxib
crosses the placenta in rats and rabbits.BEXTRA should be used during pregnancy
only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Non-teratogenic Effects: Valdecoxib caused increased pre-and post-implantation
loss with reduced live fetuses at oral doses
³ 10mg/kg/day (equivalent to approximately 19-fold human exposure at 20 mg QD as
measured by the AUC (0-24hr)) in rats and an oral dose of 40 mg/kg/day
(equivalent to approximately 72-fold human exposure at 20 mg QD as measured by
the AUC (0-24hr)) in rabbits throughout organogenesis.In addition,reduced
neonatal survival and decreased neonatal body weight when rats were treated with
valdecoxib at oral doses ³ 6 mg/kg/day (equivalent to approximately 7-fold human
exposure at 20 mg QD as measured by the AUC(0-24hr)) throughout organogenesis
and lactation period.No studies have been conducted to evaluate the effect of
valdecoxib on the closure of the ductus arteriosus in humans.Therefore,as with
other drugs known to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis,use of BEXTRA during the
third trimester of pregnancy should be avoided.
Labor and Delivery
Valdecoxib produced no evidence of delayed labor or parturition at oral doses up
to 10 mg/kg/day in rats (equivalent to approximately 19-fold human exposure at
20 mg QD as measured by the AUC (0-24hr)). The effects of BEXTRA on labor and
delivery in pregnant women are unknown.
Nursing Mothers
Valdecoxib and its active metabolite are excreted in the milk of lactating
rats.It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk.Because many
drugs are excreted in human milk,and because of the potential for adverse
reactions in nursing infants from BEXTRA,a decision should be made whether to
discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug,taking into account the
importance of the drug to the mother and the importance of nursing to the
infant.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness of BEXTRA in pediatric patients below the age of 18
years have not been evaluated.
Geriatric Use
Of the patients who received BEXTRA in arthritis clinical trials of three months
duration,or greater,approximately 2100 were 65 years of age or older,including
570 patients who were 75 years or older.No overall differences in effectiveness
were observed between these patients and younger patients.

2.) Valdecoxib-induced toxic epidermal
necrolysis in a patient allergic to sulfa drugs.
Pharmacotherapy. 2003 Apr; 23(4): 551-3.
Glasser DL, Burroughs SH.
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy, Shenandoah
University, 1460 University Drive, Winchester, VA 22601, USA. [email protected]
A 55-year-old Caucasian woman with a previously documented sulfa allergy was
admitted to the hospital after she developed toxic epidermal necrolysis; she had
been taking valdecoxib for 8 days for knee pain.
Four days later, her bullous
lesions had progressed to 45-50% of her body surface area. She was transferred
to a burn unit for aggressive wound care and fluid hydration. Valdecoxib, a
cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, is a benzenesulfonamide prescribed for arthritis
pain and inflammation, and dysmenorrhea. Clinicians should exercise caution when
prescribing valdecoxib to patients who are allergic to sulfa drugs.
3.) New Warnings for Bextra (VALDECOXIB).
Source: Https://www.fda.gov/
The FDA and Pharmacia Corporation
are advising health-care professionals about new warnings and information in the
product labeling of Bextra (valdecoxib), a drug approved for treatment of
osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea).
The
labeling is being updated with new warnings following postmarketing reports of
serious adverse effects, including serious allergic reactions
(anaphylactoid reactions). As these reactions can
be life-threatening, people who start Bextra and experience a rash should
discontinue the drug immediately. In addition,
the labeling will state that the drug is contraindicated--not to be
used--in patients allergic to sulfa-containing products.
Health-care professionals are encouraged to report any unexpected adverse or
serious events associated with the use of Bextra directly to Pharmacia
Corporation, Peapack, N.J. at 1-800-323-4204 or to the FDA MedWatch program at
1-800-FDA-1088.
4.) Toxic epidermal
necrolysis due to administration of celecoxib (Celebrex).
South Med J. 2002 Oct; 95(10): 1213-4.
Comment in:
South Med J. 2003 Mar;96(3):320-1.
Friedman B, Orlet HK, Still JM, Law E.
Joseph M. Still Burn Center, Doctor's Hospital, Augusta, GA, USA.
A 41-year-old woman was given celecoxib (Celebrex) for the treatment of carpal
tunnel syndrome. An erythematous rash developed that progressed to exfoliative
dermatitis, and the patient was diagnosed with toxic epidermal necrolysis. After
transfer to the burn unit, she was treated with topical mupirocin calcium cream
and bismuth tribromophenatein petrolatum gauze dressings. Her wounds healed
well. This is the first case report of toxic epidermal necrolysis due to
treatment with celecoxib of which we are aware.
5.) Ciprofloxacin-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis in a patient with systemic
lupus erythematosus.
Infection. 2003 Dec;31(6):428-9.
Jongen-Lavrencic M, Schneeberger PM, van der Hoeven JG.
Dept. of Internal Medicine, Jeroen Bosch Ziekenhuis, 's-Hertogenbosch, The
Netherlands.
Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), or Lyell's syndrome, is a fulminant bullous
dermatitis. TEN is often a drug-induced reaction and virtually any drug class
appears capable of provoking it. We report here a case of TEN after
administration of ciprofloxacin. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was
suspected as a possible etiologic or modifying cofactor in TEN in this case.
6.) Lupus-associated toxic epidermal necrolysis: a novel
manifestation of lupus?
J
Am Acad Dermatol. 2003 Apr;48(4):525-9.
Mandelcorn R, Shear NH.
Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto.
BACKGROUND: Toxic epidermal necrolysis is an acute mucocutaneous reaction
characterized by extensive cutaneous and mucosal sloughing and systemic
involvement. It is generally associated with drug ingestion.
OBJECTIVE AND
METHODS: We describe 2 patients who developed typical clinical and
histopathologic features of toxic epidermal necrolysis with unusual subacute
progression, absence of systemic involvement or high-risk drug ingestion, and
features of lupus erythematosus.
CONCLUSION: We propose that this constellation
of features represents a new entity not previously described. This entity may
represent a more severe variant of Rowell's syndrome or, alternatively, a novel
manifestation of lupus erythematosus
7.) Suspected lamotrigine-induced toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Acta Neurol Belg. 2003
Jun;103(2):95-8.
Sogut A, Yilmaz A, Kilinc M, Sogut AG, Demiralay E, Uzar H.
Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Neurology Department.
Toxic epidermal necrolysis and Stevens-Johnson syndrome are rare, life treating
cutaneous reactions. Most cases of toxic epidermal necrolysis are drug induced.
The drugs with the highest estimated incidence include co-trimoxazloe
(trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole), sulfadoxine-pyrethamine, and carbamazepine.
Among other drugs, the reported reaction rates are relatively low for
lamotrigine and sulbactam-ampicillin. We describe a patient who developed toxic
epidermal necrolysis after either administration of lamotrigine or of
ampicillin.
8.) A study of the efficacy of plasmapheresis for the treatment
of drug induced toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Ther Apher. 1998 May;2(2):153-6.
Yamada H, Takamori K, Yaguchi H, Ogawa H.
Department of Dermatology, International Goodwill Hospital, Yokohama, Japan.
The efficacy of plasmapheresis for the treatment of toxic epidermal necrolysis
(TEN) in our patient and related reports in the literature were examined. The
patient, a 41-year-old female, was diagnosed as having drug (Sedes-G
[isopropylantipyrin, arylisopropylacetoureid, and phenacetinum]) induced TEN.
Upon admission to our hospital, extensive corticostroid therapy was initiated.
After 6 days, because more than 90% of the patient's body surface was affected
by TEN, it was concluded that the patient was unresponsive to corticosteroid
therapy. Double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) was therefore begun. After 2
sessions of DFPP, extensive reepithelialization rapidly occurred, and after 3
sessions of DFPP, the improvement was dramatic.
The patient's condition had
almost healed during 1 month's hospitalization. It has been reported in the
literature that 22 patients with drug induced TEN have been treated with
plasmapheresis. The mortality rate of 23 patients, including our patient, was
17.4%. The rate of effectiveness of plasmapheresis on drug induced TEN is 82.6%.
It appears that some kind of necrolytic factors were removed by the
plasmapheresis. This suggests that plasmapheresis may be an effective treatment
for drug induced TEN.
9.)
Treatment of toxic epidermal necrolysis with intravenous
immunoglobulin.
J La State Med Soc. 2003 Sep-Oct;155(5):266-9.
Simeone F, Rubio ER.
Department of Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans,
USA.
Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a severe adverse drug reaction that produces
extensive mucocutaneous damage, with full-thickness epidermal detachment, and
has many clinical similarities to severe burn injuries. The treatment is mainly
supportive and aimed at preventing complications while the disease takes its
natural course, and the skin reepithelializes.
Much interest exists in the
development of a specific therapy targeted at the disease process itself.
Because the diagnosis has an incidence of only 0.5-1 case/million/year, large
controlled studies are lacking, but a recent, better understanding of this
disease has provided the rationale for the use of intravenous immunoglobulin. We
present a case of toxic epidermal necrolysis that showed a good response to
intravenous immunoglobulin G and review the recent literature condition and its
management.
10.) High-dose intravenous
immunoglobulin for severe drug reactions: efficacy in toxic epidermal
necrolysis.
.
Acta Derm Venereol. 2003;83(6):430-2.
Campione E, Marulli GC, Carrozzo AM, Chimenti MS, Costanzo A, Bianchi L.
Department of Dermatology, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Policlinico di Tor
Vergata, Rome, Italy.
High-dose intravenous immunoglobulin has been proposed as an alternative
treatment for several immuno-mediated inflammatory skin diseases, usually at a
dosage of 1 - 2 g/kg. We describe the treatment of 10 patients affected by toxic
epidermal necrolysis using 400 mg/kg per day on 5 consecutive days--a schedule
that is lower than previously reported schedules.
According to the SCORTEN, the
earlier predicted mortality rate was 35%. After high-dose intravenous
immunoglobulin therapy, a mortality rate of 10% and a survival rate of 90% were
reached. In particular, nine patients showed a dramatic improvement already
after one course of infusion started at an early stage of the disease.
It is our
experience, and that of others, that high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin can be
considered the drug of first choice for toxic epidermal necrolysis, one of the
most severe life-threatening dermatological conditions, and a valid alternative
therapy for different long-standing chronic dermatological diseases. This
therapy can also be effective in avoiding high steroid dosages and consequently
steroid-related or immunosuppressive-related side effects. It is therefore
reasonable to propose high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin treatment as a
valuable therapeutic tool for dermatologists.
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DATA-MÉDICOS/DERMAGIC- JOURNAL /JANUARY 2.004 / DR. JOSÉ LAPENTA =======================================================================
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