An open-label phase II study of the safety and efficacy of etanercept for the therapy of hidradenitis suppurativa.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of etanercept for the management of hidradenitis suppurativa.

METHODS:

In a prospective open-label phase II study, etanercept was administered subcutaneously in a dose of 50 mg once weekly for 12 weeks in 10 patients. They were followed up to 24 weeks and their disease activity and Sartorius score were assessed, with also a self-evaluation by visual analogue scale (VAS). Disease activity was an assessment of the extent of the disease by the attending physicians who were unaware of the protocol.

RESULTS:

A >50% score improvement was found in six patients at week 12 and in seven patients at week 24. The VAS was decreased compared with baseline in seven patients at week 12 and in six patients at week 24. All changes were statistically significant. All patients reported a decrease of local pain at the site of lesions after week 4. Drainage of pus from the affected areas recurred in eight patients within 4-8 weeks after the end of administration of etanercept. The treatment was well-tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS:

Etanercept is a safe and effective therapy for hidradenitis suppurativa and decreases the extent of the disease and improves the quality of life. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial is required to elucidate fully the role of etanercept for hidradenitis suppurativa.

• Authors: E J Giamarellos-Bourboulis, E Pelekanou, A Antonopoulou, H Petropoulou, F Baziaka, V Karagianni, N Stavrianeas, H Giamarellou
• Journal: The British journal of dermatology (Br J Dermatol) Vol. 158 Issue 3 Pg. 567-72 (Mar 2008) ISSN: 0007-0963 [Print] England
• PMID: 18076705 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Phase II, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Antirheumatic Agents
• Immunoglobulin G
• Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
• Infliximab
• Etanercept

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Antibodies, Monoclonal (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Antirheumatic Agents (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Epidemiologic Methods
• Etanercept
• Female
• Hidradenitis Suppurativa (drug therapy, immunology)
• Humans
• Immunoglobulin G (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Infliximab
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Quality of Life (psychology)
• Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor (administration & dosage)
• Treatment Outcome