Cyclosporine in SJS/TEN management: a brief review

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are considered to be among the most severe dermatologic emergencies with high risk for morbidity and mortality if managed poorly. These disease processes usually are the result of a reaction to antipsychotic or antibiotic medications, though the complete list of potential causative drugs is extensive. Despite the life-threatening nature of these conditions, studies evaluating systemic immunomodulating agents that would be effective in halting the poor overall outcome are limited. Over the last several years, reports advocating the benefits of cyclosporine, corticosteroids, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) have shown variable responses in their treatment of SJS/TEN. In this article, cyclosporine and its potential as an emerging therapeutic option for SJS/TEN patients is discussed.