Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL), or type 2 lepra reaction, presents with crops of evanescent, tender erythematous nodules accompanied by fever, arthralgia, weight loss, malaise, and organ-specific manifestations, and is seen in borderline and lepromatous leprosy. The drugs approved for ENL include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, systemic steroids, thalidomide, and clofazimine. The management of ENL is challenging because long-term steroid use leads to steroid dependence. Our patient had severe steroid recalcitrant ENL with vesicular and pustular lesions mimicking Sweet's syndrome, and was treated effectively with a low-dose thalidomide regimen (100 mg/d) as opposed to the high dose (400 mg/d) recommended in the literature. We discuss the patho-mechanics and clinical utility of a low-dose thalidomide regimen as an effective treatment option for ENL.
BT - The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene C1 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34662871 DA - 10/2021 DO - 10.4269/ajtmh.21-0683 J2 - Am J Trop Med Hyg LA - eng N2 -Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL), or type 2 lepra reaction, presents with crops of evanescent, tender erythematous nodules accompanied by fever, arthralgia, weight loss, malaise, and organ-specific manifestations, and is seen in borderline and lepromatous leprosy. The drugs approved for ENL include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, systemic steroids, thalidomide, and clofazimine. The management of ENL is challenging because long-term steroid use leads to steroid dependence. Our patient had severe steroid recalcitrant ENL with vesicular and pustular lesions mimicking Sweet's syndrome, and was treated effectively with a low-dose thalidomide regimen (100 mg/d) as opposed to the high dose (400 mg/d) recommended in the literature. We discuss the patho-mechanics and clinical utility of a low-dose thalidomide regimen as an effective treatment option for ENL.
PY - 2021 T2 - The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene TI - Case Report: Rapid Response to Low-Dose Thalidomide in a Case of Severe Steroid Recalcitrant Erythema Nodosum Leprosum. SN - 1476-1645 ER -