Abstract | BACKGROUND:
Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is a rare connective tissue disorder characterized clinically by symmetrical swelling, induration and thickening of the skin and histologically by thickening of the fascia with chronic inflammatory infiltrate containing eosinophils. The disease is classified in the spectrum morphea/ systemic sclerosis and treated with systemic steroids and other immunosuppressant drugs. OBJECTIVE: SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Three patients affected by EF were treated with ECP because they failed to respond or with contraindications to immunosuppressant treatment. The patients underwent ECP with a UVAR XTS apparatus. Subjects were treated on two consecutive days at 2-week intervals for the first 3 months and thereafter every 4 weeks on the basis of clinical response. The patients were assessed before therapy and then monthly by means of a clinical score. Changes in affected areas were evaluated at predetermined points by computerized skin elastometry (Cutometer SEM 474). RESULT: After 1 year of therapy we found considerable improvement of clinical parameters in two cases. There was less striking improvement in the other case. These clinical results were confirmed by the elastometry measurements. All patients reported improved quality of life, which enabled a reduction in the dose of immunosuppressants. CONCLUSION:
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Authors | C Romano, P Rubegni, G De Aloe, E Stanghellini, G D'Ascenzo, L Andreassi, M Fimiani |
Journal | Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV
(J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol)
Vol. 17
Issue 1
Pg. 10-3
(Jan 2003)
ISSN: 0926-9959 [Print] England |
PMID | 12602960
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Adrenal Cortex Hormones
- Cyclosporine
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Topics |
- Adrenal Cortex Hormones
(therapeutic use)
- Adult
- Cyclosporine
(therapeutic use)
- Elasticity
- Eosinophilia
(drug therapy)
- Fasciitis
(drug therapy)
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Photopheresis
(methods)
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