Pentoxifylline in the treatment of erythema nodosum leprosum

Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is a well-known serious complication affecting 10% of lepromatous multibacillary leprosy patients. In the chronic form, its morbidity may be considerable. Thalidomide and systemic steroids are the two current effective drugs for the management of ENL. However, their use in endemic countries is often difficult and hazardous, and a search for new therapies is needed. We report our experience on the effects of pentoxifylline, a methylxanthine derivative, which has recently been suggested as a possible effective treatment for ENL attacks.