Clinical Research Directory

Severe Bullous Drug Eruption and Filgrastim

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) including Stevens Johnson (SJS) and Lyell syndromes represent the most severe drug eruptions. It is an allergic disorder caused by cytotoxic T lymphocytes, specific of drugs, responsible for the destruction of keratinocytes by apoptosis. Regulatory T cell (CD25 high CD4+), normally responsible for controlling the activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, have altered function. Despite the progress made in the pathophysiological understanding of TEN, there is currently no effective treatment. The main symptom is bullous and skin peeling \> 10% giving the appearance of great burns. The death rate is estimated between 30 and 40% due to visceral inflammatory injuries and bacterial superinfection. The risk of mortality is estimated during the initial treatment by calculating the SCORTEN (mortality\>10% if SCORTEN\>2, mortality\>90% if SCORTEN\>5). The morbidity is also very important (92% at 1 year), especially ophthalmologic with high risk of blindness... The therapeutic potential of G-CSF (Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor) in TEN is supported by several observations. The G-CSF promotes skin healing. This has been shown in human burns, with a significant reduction in healing time under G-CSF. The mechanisms associate the growth factor effect on keratinocytes, macrophages stimulation and metalloprotease activity allowing tissue remodeling limiting sequels onset. Otherwise, healing altered in deficient G-CSF mice is corrected by the growth factor injection. The G-CSF is an immunomodulator whose activities appear to justify use in TEN : * Polarization of immune response to Th2 non-cytotoxic (anti Th1), * Preferential differentiation of naive LT (T lymphocytes) in regulator LT (CD25 high CD4+) and mobilization of regulator LT of the spinal cord to altered tissues. The G-CSF was used in a few cases of TEN with great efficacy. No data is available concerning sequels of SJS/TEN in treated patients. This clinical trial program, by providing proof of the efficacy of filgrastim in SJS/TEN, should allow progress in care of this serious toxics diseases. In the future, it could thus reduce the significant morbidity of these syndromes with a high rate of sequelae.