Treatment of antiviral-resistant recurrent erythema multiforme with dapsone

Oral erythema multiforme attributed to herpes simplex virus: A less recognized variant

Key Clinical Message

Oral Erythema Multiforme (EM) is considered rare and less described variant in the world of EM. Examination of oral cavity lesions poses various diagnostic challenges and thus a thorough examination with history can help to reach a diagnosis. Due to possibility of subsequent severe attacks of EM, it has to be identified early in the course for better outcome of the patient.

Abstract

Erythema multiforme is an intriguing clinical entity characterized by acute, self-limiting mucocutaneous hypersensitivity reactions. It can occur due to various etiological factors including infections, medications, autoimmune diseases, and malignancies; herpes simplex being the most common infection accounting for almost 90 percent of the overall cases. Here, we report a case of EM in an 8-year-old female child. The patient presented with an acute onset of crusting ulcers in the lips and oral cavity along with sparse cutaneous lesions around the lips. Based upon the patient's detailed history of prodromal symptoms, disease course and progression, careful clinical examination of wound and serology test, herpes simplex virus-associated erythema multiforme (HAEM) was diagnosed ruling out other mucocutaneous diseases, such as pemphigus, paraneoplastic pemphigus, mucous membrane pemphigoid, and lichen planus. The patient was admitted and treated for HAEM. To conclude, a detail clinical history and thorough clinical examination suggested the diagnosis of EM followed by serology tests to confirm the HSV1 association where proper medicament with supportive care led to an uneventful management.

Oral Erythema Multiforme: A Case Report and Review of Diagnostic, Therapeutic and Prognostic Challenges

Erythema multiforme (EM) presents a distinct challenge in both diagnosis and management, particularly when its manifestations extend to the oral cavity. Classified into "minor" and "major" forms based on clinical presentation, EM defies gender bias and tends to affect individuals across different age groups. The complexity arises from its varied symptoms within the oral cavity, where it commonly manifests as painful, red erosive plaques known as target lesions, primarily observed on the lips and oral mucosa. These lesions may arise independently or be linked to underlying systemic or infectious conditions, complicating the diagnostic process. Here, we present a case study of a 55-year-old female patient grappling with EM, underscoring the importance of meticulous clinical examination, thorough investigations, tailored treatment strategies, and subsequent outcomes.

Ibuprofen-Induced Pancytopenia and Erythema Multiforme in an Elderly Female Patient

Erythema multiforme (EM) is a delayed, cell-mediated cutaneous disease with varying clinical manifestations. It is most commonly associated with infections but can also be associated with medications, vaccines, and autoimmune diseases. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used analgesics that have rare associations with EM and pancytopenia. These adverse reactions to NSAIDs can obscure definitive diagnosis due to their rarity. We present a case where an elderly female patient taking 600mg of ibuprofen up to four times a day for shoulder bursitis developed EM and pancytopenia. In this case, a 75-year-old female with a medical history of atrial fibrillation, essential hypertension, non-insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes mellitus, and ischemic stroke with residual right-sided visual impairment presented to our Emergency Department in 2023 with neck swelling, skin rash, and ulceration of the oral cavity. She reported a generalized, targetoid body rash that occurred 15 days after she started taking ibuprofen regularly for left shoulder bursitis. No other medications were started before, after, or during this time period. CBC on admission was remarkable for a white blood cell count of 1.5x109/L, hemoglobin of 6.5 g/dL, and platelet count <10x109/L, consistent with pancytopenia. Ibuprofen was discontinued, and the patient was treated supportively with analgesia and packed red blood cell transfusions. Testing for HIV, antinuclear antibodies (ANA) panel, Hepatitis panel, and copper and zinc levels were negative. A biopsy of a targetoid lesion on the skin showed changes consistent with EM. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed no actively bleeding lesions or ulcers in the stomach mucosa. The patient's blood counts eventually recovered with supportive treatment, and symptomatology improved. The patient was discharged six days after admission. Healthcare professionals should be aware of rare hematologic and immunologic side effects of NSAIDs, which may often be overlooked and misdiagnosed. More studies are needed to build on our wealth of knowledge regarding the etiology and management of EM, Steven Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).

Drug-induced lupus erythematosus in childhood: Case-based review

BACKGROUND

Drug-induced lupus erythematosus (DILE) is the development of lupus-like syndrome following a drug exposure. DILE has been reported less frequently among children than adults.

METHODS

In this study, we present four children with DILE and similar published cases through a systematic literature review.

RESULTS

We report four children (three girls and one boy) who developed DILE associated with the use of topiramate, doxycycline, etanercept, and ethosuximide. Three of them were positive for anti-histone antibodies. In all patients, the drug was discontinued and symptoms resolved completely. The literature review revealed 48 articles describing 61 children with DILE. In the evaluation of 65 patients (our 4 patients and 61 patients from the literature), the most frequently reported drugs associated with DILE were ethosuximide (n = 13) and minocycline (n = 12). Fever (n = 33), arthralgia (n = 31), rash (n = 30), and arthritis (n = 29) were the most common clinical manifestations. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) was positive in 93.5% of patients and anti-histone antibodies were detected in 72.2% of the patients. As for treatment, the responsible drug was discontinued in all patients, and corticosteroids were initiated in 53.3%. Improvement was achieved in 92.0% of patients.

CONCLUSION

For children presenting with SLE features, proper drug history is crucial since DILE may be more frequent than anticipated. An association of the relevant drug with the symptoms, and resolution of symptoms on drug withdrawal provides evidence for the diagnosis of DILE.

Recent Updates in the Treatment of Erythema Multiforme

Erythema multiforme (EM) is an immune-mediated condition that classically presents with discrete targetoid lesions and can involve both mucosal and cutaneous sites. While EM is typically preceded by viral infections, most notably herpes simplex virus (HSV), and certain medications, a large portion of cases are due to an unidentifiable cause. EM can be confused with other more serious conditions like Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS); however, clinical research has provided significant evidence to classify EM and SJS as separate disorders. Treatment of EM is highly variable, depending on the etiology, the involvement of mucosal sites, and the chronicity (acute vs. recurring) of the disease. If the etiology or causal medication/infection is identified, then the medication is stopped and/or the infection is treated prior to initiating symptomatic treatment. Treatment for acute EM is focused on relieving symptoms with topical steroids or antihistamines. Treatment for recurrent EM is most successful when tailored to individual patients. First line treatment for recurrent EM includes both systemic and topical therapies. Systemic therapies include corticosteroid therapy and antiviral prophylaxis. Topical therapies include high-potency corticosteroids, and antiseptic or anesthetic solutions for mucosal involvement. Second-line therapies for patients who do not respond to antiviral medications include immunosuppressive agents, antibiotics, anthelmintics, and antimalarials

Interventions for erythema multiforme: a systematic review

Treatment of erythema multiforme (EM) is not codified. We performed a systematic review of the effect of any topical or systemic treatment on time to healing and frequency of episodes with acute and chronic forms of EM in adults. Four databases (MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE and LILACS) and other sources were searched for articles published up to 20 March 2018. Randomized control trials (RCTs), observational studies and case series (n ≥ 10) were considered. From 1558 references, we included one RCT and six case series. The RCT (n = 20) showed a significant difference in complete remission of EM with continuous acyclovir vs. placebo over 6 months. One case series found a mean reduction in flare duration with thalidomide for recurrent EM (5.1 vs. 16.2 days; n = 20). Adverse events were poorly or not reported in included studies. Quality of life was never assessed. One limitation of our study is that we excluded the cases of isolated mucosal EM in order to prevent inclusion of Stevens-Johnson syndrome cases. In conclusion, there is low-level evidence for continuous acyclovir treatment for recurrent EM (one RCT). Evidence for other treatments is only based on retrospective case series. Results for thalidomide, in particular, encourage further research. Data concerning safety are insufficient. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42016053175.

Current Perspectives on Erythema Multiforme

Recognition and timely adequate treatment of erythema multiforme remain a major challenge. In this review, current diagnostic guidelines, potential pitfalls, and modern/novel treatment options are summarized with the aim to help clinicians with diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making. The diagnosis of erythema multiforme, that has an acute, self-limiting course, is based on its typical clinical picture of targetoid erythematous lesions with predominant acral localization as well as histological findings. Clinically, erythema multiforme can be differentiated into isolated cutaneous and combined mucocutaneous forms. Atypical erythema multiforme manifestations include lichenoid or granulomatous lesions as well as lesional infiltrates of T cell lymphoma and histiocytes. Herpes simplex virus infection being the most common cause, other infectious agents like-especially in children-Mycoplasma pneumoniae, hepatitis C virus, Coxsackie virus, and Epstein Barr virus may also trigger erythema multiforme. The second most frequently identified cause of erythema multiforme is drugs. In different studies, e.g., allopurinol, phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproic acid, antibacterial sulfonamides, penicillins, erythromycin, nitrofurantoin, tetracyclines, chlormezanone, acetylsalicylic acid, statins, as well as different TNF-α inhibitors such as adalimumab, infliximab, and etanercept were reported as possible implicated drugs. Recently, cases of erythema multiforme associated with vaccination, immunotherapy for melanoma, and even with topical drugs like imiquimod have been described. In patients with recurrent herpes simplex virus-associated erythema multiforme, the topical prophylactic treatment with acyclovir does not seem to prevent further episodes of erythema multiforme. In case of resistance to one virostatic drug, the switch to an alternative drug, and in patients non-responsive to virostatic agents, the use of dapsone as well as new treatment options, e.g., JAK-inhibitors or apremilast, might be considered.