Thalidomide as elective treatment in persistent erythema multiforme; report of two cases.

Abstract

Recurrent erythema multiforme is a rare disorder, clinically characterized by symmetrically distributed, erythematous, and bullous skin and mucous lesions, mainly precipitated by a preceding herpes simplex infection. In rare cases, EM presents continuous or persistent relapses, and has been related to an Epstein-Barr virus infection. We report 2 cases of severe, persistent erythema multiforme, treated with thalidomide, with complete disease suppression in both cases. Thalidomide induces immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenic effects, and may be considered as the elective treatment of this rare variety of erythema multiforme. However, in order to avoid neuropathic side effects, patients under thalidomide therapy should be monitored every 6 months with nerve conduction studies while taking the drug.

• Authors: Julian S Conejo-Mir, Susana del Canto, Miguel Angel Muñoz, Lourdes Rodríguez-Freire, Amalia Serrano, Carlos Hernandez, Agueda Pulpillo
• Journal: Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD (J Drugs Dermatol) Vol. 2 Issue 1 Pg. 40-4 (Jan 2003) ISSN: 1545-9616 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12852380 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Thalidomide

Topics

• Adult
• Epstein-Barr Virus Infections (complications, drug therapy, pathology)
• Erythema Multiforme (complications, drug therapy, pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Thalidomide (adverse effects, therapeutic use)