Treatment of toxic epidermal necrolysis in North America

Evaluation of Plasmapheresis vs Immunoglobulin as First Treatment After Ineffective Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy for Patients With Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Importance

Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) are severe cutaneous adverse reactions, and patients with SJS/TEN frequently require intensive care. However, there is limited evidence on the clinical outcomes of immunomodulating therapy, including plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in patients with SJS/TEN.

Objective

To compare clinical outcomes of patients with SJS/TEN who were treated with plasmapheresis first vs IVIG first after ineffective systemic corticosteroid therapy.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used data from a national administrative claims database in Japan that included more than 1200 hospitals and was conducted from July 2010 to March 2019. Inpatients with SJS/TEN who received plasmapheresis and/or IVIG therapy after initiation of at least 1000 mg/d of methylprednisolone equivalent systemic corticosteroid therapy within 3 days of hospitalization were included. Data were analyzed from October 2020 to May 2021.

Exposures

Patients who received IVIG or plasmapheresis therapy within 5 days after initiation of systemic corticosteroid therapy were included in the IVIG- and plasmapheresis-first groups, respectively.

Main Outcomes and Measures

In-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, and medical costs.

Results

Of 1215 patients with SJS/TEN who had received at least 1000 mg/d of methylprednisolone equivalent within 3 days of hospitalization, 53 and 213 patients (mean [SD] age, 56.7 [20.2] years; 152 [57.1%] women) were included in the plasmapheresis- and IVIG-first groups, respectively. Propensity-score overlap weighting showed no significant difference in inpatient mortality rates between the plasmapheresis- and IVIG-first groups (18.3% vs 19.5%; odds ratio, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.38-2.23; P = .86). Compared with the IVIG-first group, the plasmapheresis-first group had a longer hospital stay (45.3 vs 32.8 days; difference, 12.5 days; 95% CI, 0.4-24.5 d; P = .04) and higher medical costs (US $34 262 vs $23 054; difference, US $11 207; 95% CI, $2789-$19 626; P = .009).

Conclusions and Relevance

This nationwide retrospective cohort study found no significant benefit to administering plasmapheresis therapy first instead of IVIG first after ineffective systemic corticosteroid treatment in patients with SJS/TEN. However, medical costs and length of hospital stay were greater for the plasmapheresis-first group.

Systemic interventions for treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and SJS/TEN overlap syndrome

BACKGROUND

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and SJS/TEN overlap syndrome are rare, severe cutaneous adverse reactions usually triggered by medications. In addition to tertiary-level supportive care, various systemic therapies have been used including glucocorticoids, intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs), cyclosporin, N-acetylcysteine, thalidomide, infliximab, etanercept, and plasmapheresis. There is an unmet need to understand the efficacy of these interventions.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of systemic therapies (medicines delivered orally, intramuscularly, or intravenously) for the treatment of SJS, TEN, and SJS/TEN overlap syndrome.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following databases up to March 2021: the Cochrane Skin Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and Embase. We also searched five clinical trial registers, the reference lists of all included studies and of key review articles, and a number of drug manufacturer websites. We searched for errata or retractions of included studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective observational comparative studies of participants of any age with a clinical diagnosis of SJS, TEN, or SJS/TEN overlap syndrome. We included all systemic therapies studied to date and permitted comparisons between each therapy, as well as between therapy and placebo.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures as specified by Cochrane. Our primary outcomes were SJS/TEN-specific mortality and adverse effects leading to discontinuation of SJS/TEN therapy. Secondary outcomes included time to complete re-epithelialisation, intensive care unit length of stay, total hospital length of stay, illness sequelae, and other adverse effects attributed to systemic therapy. We rated the certainty of the evidence for each outcome using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

We included nine studies with a total of 308 participants (131 males and 155 females) from seven countries. We included two studies in the quantitative meta-analysis. We included three RCTs and six prospective, controlled observational studies. Sample sizes ranged from 10 to 91. Most studies did not report study duration or time to follow-up. Two studies reported a mean SCORe of Toxic Epidermal Necrosis (SCORTEN) of 3 and 1.9. Seven studies did not report SCORTEN, although four of these studies reported average or ranges of body surface area (BSA) (means ranging from 44% to 51%). Two studies were set in burns units, two in dermatology wards, one in an intensive care unit, one in a paediatric ward, and three in unspecified inpatient units. Seven studies reported a mean age, which ranged from 29 to 56 years. Two studies included paediatric participants (23 children). We assessed the results from one of three RCTs as low risk of bias in all domains, one as high, and one as some concerns. We judged the results from all six prospective observational comparative studies to be at a high risk of bias. We downgraded the certainty of the evidence because of serious risk of bias concerns and for imprecision due to small numbers of participants. The interventions assessed included systemic corticosteroids, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors, cyclosporin, thalidomide, N-acetylcysteine, IVIG, and supportive care. No data were available for the main comparisons of interest as specified in the review protocol: etanercept versus cyclosporin, etanercept versus IVIG, IVIG versus supportive care, IVIG versus cyclosporin, and cyclosporin versus corticosteroids. Corticosteroids versus no corticosteroids It is uncertain if there is any difference between corticosteroids (methylprednisolone 4 mg/kg/day for two more days after fever had subsided and no new lesions had developed) and no corticosteroids on disease-specific mortality (risk ratio (RR) 2.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72 to 9.03; 2 studies; 56 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Time to complete re-epithelialisation, length of hospital stay, and adverse effects leading to discontinuation of therapy were not reported. IVIG versus no IVIG It is uncertain if there is any difference between IVIG (0.2 to 0.5 g/kg cumulative dose over three days) and no IVIG in risk of disease-specific mortality (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.04 to 2.91); time to complete re-epithelialisation (mean difference (MD) -2.93 days, 95% CI -4.4 to -1.46); or length of hospital stay (MD -2.00 days, 95% CI -5.81 to 1.81). All results in this comparison were based on one study with 36 participants, and very low-certainty evidence. Adverse effects leading to discontinuation of therapy were not reported. Etanercept (TNF-alpha inhibitor) versus corticosteroids Etanercept (25 mg (50 mg if weight > 65 kg) twice weekly "until skin lesions healed") may reduce disease-specific mortality compared to corticosteroids (intravenous prednisolone 1 to 1.5 mg/kg/day "until skin lesions healed") (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.16 to 1.63; 1 study; 91 participants; low-certainty evidence); however, the CIs were consistent with possible benefit and possible harm. Serious adverse events, such as sepsis and respiratory failure, were reported in 5 of 48 participants with etanercept and 9 of 43 participants with corticosteroids, but it was not clear if they led to discontinuation of therapy. Time to complete re-epithelialisation and length of hospital stay were not reported. Cyclosporin versus IVIG  It is uncertain if there is any difference between cyclosporin (3 mg/kg/day or intravenous 1 mg/kg/day until complete re-epithelialisation, then tapered off (10 mg/day reduction every 48 hours)) and IVIG (continuous infusion 0.75 g/kg/day for 4 days (total dose 3 g/kg) in participants with normal renal function) in risk of disease-specific mortality (RR 0.13, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.98, 1 study; 22 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Time to complete re-epithelialisation, length of hospital stay, and adverse effects leading to discontinuation of therapy were not reported. No studies measured intensive care unit length of stay.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

When compared to corticosteroids, etanercept may result in mortality reduction. For the following comparisons, the certainty of the evidence for disease-specific mortality is very low: corticosteroids versus no corticosteroids,  IVIG versus no IVIG and cyclosporin versus IVIG. There is a need for more multicentric studies, focused on the most important clinical comparisons, to provide reliable answers about the best treatments for SJS/TEN.

Retrospective Study of Patients With SJS/TEN Treated at a Tertiary Burn Unit in Canada: Overview of 17 Years of Treatment

BACKGROUND

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are adverse drug reactions.

OBJECTIVES

To learn about the clinical characteristics of patients with SJS/TEN including treatments provided, outcomes, and mortality.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of SJS/TEN at the Ross Tilley Burn Center between the years 1999 and 2015.

RESULTS

A total of 43 patients were identified with a mean age of 54 ± 19 (58, 18-85). The most common offending medications were allopurinol and carbamazepine. The overall mortality rate in our study is 21% with the most common causes of death being multiorgan failure and sepsis. The majority of our patients had oral (84%), ocular (79%), and genital (60%) involvement during hospitalization. Our data revealed that combination treatment involving oral corticosteroids with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) had the highest mortality rate in our study since 55% (6/11) of patients who were treated in this manner passed away compared to 11% (2/18) of patients passing away who were treated with solely IVIG and 33% (1/3) who were treated with only supportive care. Our study also demonstrates the addition of etanercept and cyclosporine treatment in the second time period we studied: 2008-2015 versus the earlier time period of 1999-2007. None of the patients in our study who were treated with therapies including cyclosporine and/or etanercept passed away.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study sheds light on a possible beneficial role of cyclosporine and etanercept for the treatment of SJS and TEN and reinforces the necessity of a multidisciplinary care team for patients.

Reconstruction of Major Burns With Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a severe type of pleomorphic erythema and a rare disorder of the skin and mucous membranes, which can lead to serious infections, pulmonary embolism, acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, and other serious consequences. Patients with SJS are usually treated in burn centers. SJS complicated by severe burns is very rare, and this is associated with a high risk of infection and other more serious complications. With SJS, the availability of donor sites is compromised given the lack of healthy epidermis, and this makes it more difficult to treat. The patient was a 52-year-old man with 45% TBSA burns with 40% TBSA full-thickness burns on both lower limbs. During treatment, his condition was complicated by SJS, renal failure, and respiratory failure. After 31 days, he was transferred to our department. On the 22nd day, the patient recovered from SJS, and after undergoing four skin grafting procedures, the burn wounds healed, and the donor site had healed spontaneously. He was discharged after 86 days of treatment in our department. In conclusion, major burns complicated with SJS are rare clinical presentations. The skin affected by the drug eruptions can be used as a donor site for transplantation to the burn wounds, and this donor area can also heal.

Association of Early Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy with Mortality in Patients with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using a Nationwide Claims Database

BACKGROUND

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are severe dermatologic disorders with high mortality. The role of systemic corticosteroids as an adjunctive therapy for SJS or TEN remains controversial.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether treatment with early systemic corticosteroids impacts the in-hospital mortality of patients hospitalized with SJS or TEN.

METHODS

Using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination Database, a large nationwide inpatient administrative claims database, we identified inpatients aged ≥ 18 years who were admitted with SJS or TEN. Treatment with early systemic corticosteroids was defined as starting treatment with systemic corticosteroids within 2 days (day 0 or day 1) of admission. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. We examined the association between early systemic corticosteroids and in-hospital mortality using propensity score (PS) analyses.

RESULTS

We identified 1846 eligible patients with SJS or TEN, including 793 patients with early systemic corticosteroid use at ≤ 2 mg/kg/day, 558 patients with early systemic corticosteroid use at > 2 mg/kg/day, and 495 patients without early corticosteroid use. PS matching created 235 pairs (> 2 mg/kg/day vs. controls) and 332 pairs (≤ 2 mg/kg/day vs. controls). Early systemic corticosteroid use was not significantly associated with lower in-hospital mortality by PS matching (> 2 mg/kg/day vs. controls: relative risk [RR] 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37-1.85; ≤ 2 mg/kg/day vs. controls: RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.28-1.36) and by inverse probability of treatment weighting (> 2 mg/kg/day vs. controls: RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.45-2.19; ≤ 2 mg/kg/day vs. controls: RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.29-1.47).

CONCLUSION

Early systemic corticosteroid therapy for patients with SJS or TEN was not associated with lower in-hospital mortality. Further studies are needed to define the effect of corticosteroids for patients with SJS or TEN.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: epidemiological and clinical outcomes analysis in public hospitals

Background

Adverse drug reactions are harmful and involuntary responses to drugs that occur at doses normally used for a given condition. Among them are Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, both rare and potentially fatal conditions.

Objectives

To analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics related to patients diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis in public hospitals in the Federal District - Brazil.

Methods

Retrospective, cross-sectional and descriptive study, in which data were collected referring to patients hospitalized in the public healthcare system of the Federal District from 1999 to 2014. Results: Between 1999 and 2014, 86 cases of hospitalized patients with diagnosis of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis in the Federal District were reported. The majority of patients were women; the most affected age group was 0 to 10 years. Patients older than 60 years (elderly) represent 6.98% of the cases. Most patients admitted to the referral hospital were discharged. However, occurrence of deaths exceeded that of discharge in elderly patients.

Limitations of the study

There is fragility in the registry of hospitalization of patients, both in the hospital information system and in the medical records of the reference hospital.

Conclusion

There is a need for greater production and better dissemination of information on the incidence of adverse drug reactions.

SJS/TEN 2017: Building Multidisciplinary Networks to Drive Science and Translation

Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) is a life-threatening, immunologically mediated, and usually drug-induced disease with a high burden to individuals, their families, and society with an annual incidence of 1 to 5 per 1,000,000. To effect significant reduction in short- and long-term morbidity and mortality, and advance clinical care and research, coordination of multiple medical, surgical, behavioral, and basic scientific disciplines is required. On March 2, 2017, an investigator-driven meeting was held immediately before the American Academy of Dermatology Annual meeting for the central purpose of assembling, for the first time in the United States, clinicians and scientists from multiple disciplines involved in SJS/TEN clinical care and basic science research. As a product of this meeting, this article summarizes the current state of knowledge and expert opinion related to SJS/TEN covering a broad spectrum of topics including epidemiology and pharmacogenomic networks; clinical management and complications; special populations such as pediatrics, the elderly, and pregnant women; regulatory issues and the electronic health record; new agents that cause SJS/TEN; pharmacogenomics and immunopathogenesis; and the patient perspective. Goals include the maintenance of a durable and productive multidisciplinary network that will significantly further scientific progress and translation into prevention, early diagnosis, and management of SJS/TEN.

Cyclosporine treatment for Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis: Retrospective analysis of a cohort treated in a specialized referral center

BACKGROUND

Treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) remains controversial.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate the impact of cyclosporine on hospital mortality in patients with SJS/TEN.

METHODS

All patients with SJS and TEN admitted to our center from 2011 to 2014 were treated under a standardized protocol that allowed for cyclosporine therapy if the inclusion and exclusion criteria were met. Clinical data were reviewed retrospectively. Comparative analysis was made on mortality outcomes with patients treated with cyclosporine versus what was expected based on SCORTEN.

RESULTS

In all, 44 patients were admitted during the study period. A total of 24 patients received cyclosporine and the remaining 20 patients were treated supportively. SCORTEN predicted 7.2 deaths and 3 were observed in the group treated with cyclosporine. In the group treated supportively, SCORTEN predicted 5.9 deaths and 6 deaths were observed. The standardized mortality ratio of SJS/TEN treated with cyclosporine was 0.42 (95% confidence interval 0.09-1.22).

LIMITATION

Small sample size, retrospective design, and referral bias are limitations.

CONCLUSION

The use of cyclosporine may improve mortality in SJS/TEN and needs to be validated in controlled studies.