Severe Refractory Erythema Nodosum Leprosum Successfully Treated with the Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor Etanercept
Open Access
- 2 February 2011
- journal article
- case report
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in Clinical Infectious Diseases
- Vol. 52 (5), e133-e135
- https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/ciq213
Abstract
(See article by Masanori et al, pages e127-e132) Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL), or type II reaction, is a common complication of lepromatous leprosy that can cause significant patient debility. First-line therapy includes prednisone and thalidomide, with clofazimine reserved for patients who do not respond to first-line treatment. We present the case of a 33-year-old woman with ENL that failed to respond adequately to conventional therapy over a 6-year period. Because of the severe nature of her disease and the adverse effects of therapy that she experienced, a trial of etanercept was undertaken, which led to full resolution of her ENL. The rationale behind our choice of therapy and its future implications are discussed.Keywords
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