Abstract
Background: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare ulcerative inflammatory condition of unknown etiology. Therapy for PG involves local wound care along with topical and systemic anti-inflammatory and other immunodulatory agents. Etanercept is one such immunomodulator with activity against the inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of etanercept in the treatment of PG ulcers. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on seven patients with 11 refractory PG ulcers treated with subcutaneous injections of etanercept (25-50 mg twice weekly). Results: All seven patients with PG responded well to etanercept. Eight of the 11 ulcers (73%) completely healed with the mean time of (12.5 weeks), while the other three ulcers had marked reduction in size (within 8-18 weeks). Etanercept was well tolerated. No serious side-effects were reported. Only one patient discontinued the drug secondary to side-effects. Conclusion: Etanercept is an alternative treatment option for patients with refractory ulcers due to PG.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1095-1099 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | International journal of dermatology |
Volume | 46 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 1 2007 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Dermatology