ABSTRACT
Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) are life-threatening, cutaneous reactions often associated with culprit drugs. A growing body of knowledge has deepened our understanding of the pathophysiology and clarified mechanisms such as drug-specific cytotoxicity mediated by T-cells, genetic linkage with HLA and non-HLA genes, TCR restriction, and cytotoxicity mechanisms. Physicians should broadly consider the etiology of SJS/TEN in order to better understand treatment strategies as well as identify which patients may be at risk for developing this condition. Mechanisms for how radiotherapy and rare malignancies may contribute to the development of TEN and SJS have been proposed.
Subject(s)
Liposarcoma/radiotherapy , Radiotherapy/adverse effects , Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/etiology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Radiation Injuries , Skin/pathology , Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/pathologySubject(s)
Laser Therapy/methods , Lasers, Solid-State/therapeutic use , Quality of Life , Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus/diagnosis , Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus/surgery , Aged , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Middle Aged , Patient Satisfaction/statistics & numerical data , Risk Assessment , Sampling Studies , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Isotretinoin is an effective treatment for nodulocystic acne. Outside of required pregnancy testing, laboratory monitoring suggested by the manufacturers is vague. Dermatologists, therefore, monitor a variety of tests with variable frequency. Despite intense monitoring, the majority of patients do not have gross laboratory abnormalities that warrant changes in management.
OBJECTIVE: To survey US dermatologists regarding laboratory monitoring practices while prescribing isotretinoin.
METHODS: An online survey sent via e-mail to members of the American Academy of Dermatology.
RESULTS: 12,396 surveys were sent with a response rate of ~19%. At baseline >60% of responders check a CBC, LFTs, and a lipid panel. 74% check a monthly lipid panel and LFTs, while 57% check a monthly CBC. 75% report stopping isotretinoin when AST or ALT values reach 3 times normal; 89% report stopping at 4 times normal. When triglycerides reach 4 times normal, 72% stop the medication.
CONCLUSIONS: There is no consensus on isotretinoin monitoring tests and frequency, though the majority of dermatologists surveyed monitor a lipid panel and LFTs.
J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(6):557-564.
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