Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a fatal cutaneous adverse reaction that occasionally affects multiple organs. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a rare complication that can cause rapid and potentially fatal pulmonary dysfunction. However, the mechanisms underlying TEN-induced ARDS remain unknown. This study investigated potential biomarkers for predicting ARDS onset in TEN patients. Pre-treatment serum samples were collected from 16 TEN patients and 16 healthy controls (HC). TEN patients were divided into two groups: those with ARDS (3 patients) and those without ARDS (13 patients). The serum levels of cytokines/chemokines were determined using the Luminex® Assay Human Premixed Multi-analyte Kit. The expression levels of cytokines and chemokines in the skin were examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Serum levels of C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 were significantly higher in TEN patients with ARDS than in those without ARDS and HC, while there was no significant difference in the serum levels of CCL2 and IL-8 between TEN patients without ARDS and HC. IHC analysis revealed no significant difference in CCL2 and IL-8 expression of the skin between HC and TEN patients with and without ARDS. Interestingly, there were no differences in the cytokines/chemokines levels between TEN and other organ damages other than ARDS and TEN without any organ damage. We further analyzed the changes in cytokines/chemokines levels before and after treatment in two TEN patients with ARDS. CCL2, IL-6, and IL-8 levels decreased after systemic treatment compared to baseline levels before treatment at an early stage. Conclusion: IL-8 and CCL2 may be involved in the pathogenesis of TEN-induced ARDS and may be useful predictive markers for ARDS onset.

ESDR107 - Serum levels of C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 and interleukin-8 as possible biomarkers in patients with toxic epidermal necrolysis accompanied by acute respiratory distress syndrome

The scientific meeting of the European Society for Dermatological Research (ESDR) is held yearly, usually in September. With an international attendance of more than 1000 skin scientists from around the globe, the four-day event includes short oral presentations from peer-reviewed abstracts, keynote lectures from international experts, sponsored symposia, satellite programs, educational events as well as an important focus on posters, networking and building collaborations amongst scientists. For more information about this year’s meeting visit our website.