Successful use of cyclosporine in the treatment of toxic epidermal necrolysis: A case series

Abstract

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is an acute life-threatening disease associated with a high mortality. Systemic corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and intravenous gamma globulins have been used in the treatment with variable results. We report five cases of TEN treated successfully with cyclosporine monotherapy. All the patients presented with severe disease. All the patients received cyclosporine 3–5 mg/kg/day for an average duration of 5–10 days depending on the clinical response. All the patients recovered without any sequel. No significant side effects were noted in all the five patients except for one patient who developed acute nephrotoxicity. All the five patients were discharged from the hospital by the end of 2 weeks, thus decreasing the hospital stay due to a favorable outcome and early recovery. Cyclosporine in TEN patients is not only a lifesaving drug, but also it is cost-effective. This case series demonstrates the safety and efficacy of the short course of cyclosporine monotherapy in the treatment of TEN.