Abstract |
Esthetic or functional repercussions in localized scleroderma may be considerable. Numerous treatments have been proposed with limited effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of high-dose zinc gluconate in the treatment of morphea. We are reporting a retrospective study of 17 patients with histologically confirmed localized scleroderma active for more than one year and whose treatment with a high potency dermocorticosteroid was a failure. The patients received 60 to 90 mg of zinc metal daily. The clinical evaluation was performed by the physician and the patient. An efficacy of 53% was obtained (5 partial remissions and 4 complete remissions) with a mean dose of 83.3 mg/day of zinc metal. Two patients (11.8%) had epigastralgia; no discontinuation of zinc gluconate for poor tolerability was noted.We conclude that high-dose zinc gluconate can therefore be a valuable alternative treatment for localized scleroderma, with good tolerability, although placebo-controlled studies are necessary to confirm our results.
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Authors | Anabelle Brocard, Gaelle Quereux, Dominique Moyse, Brigitte Dreno |
Journal | European journal of dermatology : EJD
(Eur J Dermatol)
2010 Mar-Apr
Vol. 20
Issue 2
Pg. 172-4
ISSN: 1167-1122 [Print] France |
PMID | 20123645
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Dermatologic Agents
- Gluconates
- Zinc
- gluconic acid
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Topics |
- Administration, Oral
- Adult
- Aged
- Dermatologic Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Female
- Gluconates
(therapeutic use)
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Pilot Projects
- Remission Induction
- Retrospective Studies
- Scleroderma, Localized
(drug therapy)
- Zinc
(therapeutic use)
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