Tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors in the treatment of toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare, life-threatening adverse drug reaction for which there is no standardized or consistently effective treatment. Due to a greater understanding of disease pathogenesis and the identification of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α as a mediator of keratinocyte death, TNF-α antagonists have been used in the treatment of TEN. Specifically, infliximab and etanercept have been shown to be effective at halting disease progression. The objective of this study is to review published case reports and case series using anti-TNF-α medications in the treatment of TEN. Results of many of the articles reviewed support the use of TNF-α inhibitors in TEN in both adult and pediatric populations; however, the risks caused by these potent immunosuppressants must be weighed, and if administered, patients must be closely monitored for infections. Additional studies are needed to further characterize the role of TNF-α inhibition in the treatment of TEN.

Diabetes Mellitus and the Skin: Recognition and Management of Cutaneous Manifestations.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a heterogeneous condition characterized by hyperglycemia as a consequence of defects in insulin secretion and variable degrees of insulin resistance. DM is the most common endocrine disorder in the United States, affecting 9.3% of the population (29.1 million people) in 2014. Skin disorders are present in 79.2% of patients with DM, and cutaneous disease may appear as the first sign of DM or develop at any time in the course of the disease. Given the increasing incidence and prevalence of DM in the United States, primary care physicians should be aware of the associated cutaneous manifestations. This clinical review provides a brief guide to primary care physicians for recognizing and managing skin conditions that they may encounter when caring for patients with DM.