Evaluation of efficacy of glucocorticoids and intravenous immunoglobulin for the treatment of toxic epidermal necrolysis / 中华皮肤科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of systemic glucocorticoids and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)for the treatment of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). Methods Clinical data on TEN inpatients treated with systemic glucocorticoids alone or in combination with IVIG were collected from the Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2006 to December 2012. Therapeutic outcomes were evaluated in these patients. Statistical analysis was carried out by using a multiple linear regression analysis, binary logistic regression analysis and Cox regression analysis with the SPSS 16.0 software. Results A total of 48 inpatients with TEN were included in this study. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the maximum daily dose of glucocorticoids for disease control was decreased gradually over years (β=-0.461, P=0.004). However, binary logistic regression analysis revealed no obvious changes in the frequency of administration of IVIG over years. Cox regression analysis showed that both hospitalization duration (RR=0.351, 95.0%CI0.150-0.825)and the time required for the control of skin lesions (RR=0.492, 95.0%CI0.245-0.986)decreased with the increase in the frequency of IVIG administration. In addition, with the increase in the maximum daily dose of glucocorticoids for disease control, the time required for the control of skin lesions was also shortened (RR=0.997, 95.0%CI0.994 -1.000), while no obvious changes were observed in hospitalization duration. Conclusions IVIG shows superiority in controlling lesions, reducing complications and improving the prognosis of TEN. Compared with systemic glucocorticoids, IVIG shows better therapeutic efficacy and less adverse effects, and may be preferentially selected.