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

[Guest guest]

Br J Dermatol. 2008 Feb 11;158(3):567-572. Epub 2007 Dec 11.

An open-label phase II study of the safety and efficacy of etanercept

for the therapy of hidradenitis suppurativa.

Giamarellos-Bourboulis EJ, Pelekanou E, Antonopoulou A, Petropoulou H,

Baziaka F, Karagianni V, Stavrianeas N, Giamarellou H.

4th Department of Internal Medicine, University of Athens, Medical

School, University General Hospital 'ATTIKON', 1 Rimini Str, 124 64

Athens, Greece.

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.

PMID: 18076705

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18076705

--

Not an MD