Effects of olopatadine in limited scleroderma with peripheral eosinophils

Scleroderma and eosinophilia often occur together, though the pathogenesis is unclear. We investigated the effect of olopatadine hydrochloride in a series of cases of limited scleroderma (LS). Ten patients with LS and positive eosinophil counts (LSE) were enrolled (average age, 85 years; six men and four women). Serum concentrations of the anti-Scl-70 antibody were positive. Olopatadine hydrochloride was prescribed at 10 mg/day for 3 weeks. Serum concentrations of the anti-Scl-70 antibody significantly decreased, but changes in eosinophil numbers and percentages in peripheral blood were not significant. Factor analysis suggested a correlation between serum concentrations of the anti-Scl-70 antibody and complement C4. Olopatadine could be effective in reducing anti-Scl-70 antibodies in the elderly with LSE.