title: Erythema multiforme and related disorders.
abstract: Erythema multiforme (EM) and related disorders comprise a group of mucocutaneous disorders characterized by variable degrees of mucosal and cutaneous blistering and ulceration that occasionally can give rise to systemic upset and possibly compromise life. The clinical classification of these disorders has often been variable, thus making definitive diagnosis sometimes difficult. Despite being often caused by, or at least associated with, infection or drug therapy, the pathogenic mechanisms of these disorders remain unclear, and as a consequence, there are no evidence-based, reliably effective therapies. The present article reviews aspects of EM and related disorders of relevance to oral medicine clinical practice and highlights the associated potential etiologic agents, pathogenic mechanisms and therapies.
authors.affiliation: Division of Medical, Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences, Eastman Dental Institute for Oral Health Care Sciences, University College of London, London, England.
authors.forename: Khalid A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Al-Johani
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fedele
authors.forename: Stephen R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Porter
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications; D004892:Erythema Multiforme / Q000145:classification* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D019226:Oral Ulcer / Q000473:pathology; D013262:Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents