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Clinical Features and Treatment Response in Chronic Recurrent Erythema Multiforme: Difference Based on the Etiology Related to Herpes Simplex Virus

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Erythema multiforme (EM) is typically a self-limited, acute hypersensitivity reaction. However, a subset of patients experiences chronic, recurrent episodes, for which clinical features and treatment strategies differ depending on the underlying etiology, especially in herpes simplex virus (HSV)-associated cases. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical and phenotypic features of chronic recurrent EM and assess treatment responses, with a focus on differences based on HSV association. METHODS: This retrospective study included pathology-confirmed cases of suspected EM from 2010 to 2023. Forty patients with chronic EM (≥3 recurrences or persistent disease for ≥12 months) were included. Clinical, histopathologic, and serologic data were analysed. Patients were stratified into herpes simplex virus-associated erythema multiforme (HAEM) and non-HAEM groups. Clustering analysis was performed to identify clinical phenotypes. Treatment responses to antivirals and immunomodulators were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 40 patients, 24 (60%) were classified as HAEM. HAEM patients showed more mucosal involvement, smaller targetoid lesions, and acral predominance, while non-HAEM patients had larger, coalescing lesions with more trunk involvement. Cluster analysis supported HSV as the major discriminating factor. Antiviral agents were effective in 87.5% of HAEM cases but ineffective in 76.9% of non-HAEM patients. Immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil showed variable responses. Baricitinib induced complete remission in all 3 refractory cases. CONCLUSION: HSV association defines a distinct clinical subtype of chronic recurrent EM, with differences in lesion morphology, distribution, and treatment response. Recognizing these patterns may guide targeted therapeutic strategies, including the potential use of Janus kinase inhibitors in refractory cases.

Source: Annals of Dermatology

DOI: 10.5021/ad.25.111

Authors: Kyung Bae Chung, Jung Won Park, Joo Hee Lee, Eun-Hye Kim, Do-Young Kim

Institutions: Yonsei University, Yonsei University Health System

Language: English

Topic: Herpesvirus Infections and Treatments

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Korea Health Industry Development Institute