Toxic epidermal necrolysis successfully treated with etanercept: a report of two cases

Toxic epidermal necrolysis is the most severe adverse drug reaction and belongs to the group of rare diseases. The leading clinical features are massive skin necrosis and detachment of the epidermis and mucous membranes. It is considered a medical emergency. Steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin are usually employed as therapy, but their use is still controversial. Off-label therapy with tumor necrosis factor α antagonists could be an effective alternative. Here we report two cases of Caucasian patients efficaciously treated with etanercept.