Infliximab/Plasmapheresis in Vanishing Bile Duct Syndrome Secondary to Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Abstract

Vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS) is a rare disorder characterized by loss of interlobular bile ducts and progressive worsening cholestasis. The acute presentation of this disease is typically associated with a drug hypersensitivity and Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). The mainstay of treatment has been ursodeoxycholic acid with mixed results from immunosuppressive regimens. Anti-tumor necrosis factor-α and plasmapheresis have been speculated to be of potential benefit. It is hoped that early identification and intervention in VBDS secondary to Stevens-Johnson syndrome/TEN with continued reporting will lead to better regimens and outcomes. Our case report details the first reported use of infliximab and plasmapheresis, in addition to steroids, in a patient with VBDS secondary to TEN, as well as a literature review that supports a mechanism for why these modalities could be effective treatments. Unfortunately, our patient died, and the use of these therapies had an unclear benefit on his liver and skin disease. We hope that additional work can be published to confirm or refute their utility in the treatment of these diseases.