Tumor Necrosis Factor α Inhibitors in the Treatment of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare, life-threatening adverse drug reaction for which there is no standardized or consistently effective treatment. Due to a greater understanding of disease pathogenesis and the identification of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha as a mediator of keratinocyte death, TNF-alpha antagonists have been used in the treatment of TEN. Specifically, infliximab and etanercept have been shown to be effective at halting disease progression. The objective of this study is to review published case reports and case series using anti-TNF-alpha medications in the treatment of TEN. Results of many of the articles reviewed support the use of TNF-alpha inhibitors in TEN in both adult and pediatric populations; however, the risks caused by these potent immunosuppressants must be weighed, and if administered, patients must be closely monitored for infections. Additional studies are needed to further characterize the role of TNF-alpha inhibition in the treatment of TEN.