Intramuscular Polydeoxyribonucleotides in Fibrotic and Atrophic Localized Scleroderma: An Explorative Prospective...

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Rheumatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Localized scleroderma (morphea) lacks effective treatments, particularly in its quiescent phase.
• Fibroatrophic morphea presents a therapeutic challenge due to its persistent nature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) in patients with quiescent, fibroatrophic morphea.
• To assess the impact of PDRN on disease activity, damage, and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A cohort study involving 25 patients with histologically confirmed fibroatrophic morphea.
• Patients received daily intramuscular polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) for 90 days, with a three-month follow-up.
• Efficacy was measured using the Localized Scleroderma Cutaneous Assessment Tool (LoSSI, LoSDI), Physician's Global Assessment (PGA-A, PGA-D), skin echography, and biopsy scores.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements observed in mLoSSI (-73.7%) and mLoSDI (-43.9%) after 3 months of PDRN treatment.
• Physician's Global Assessment scores for activity (PGA-A, -60.4%) and damage (PGA-D, -40.3%) also showed substantial reductions.
• Further improvements were noted at the follow-up visit, indicating sustained therapeutic effects.

Conclusions:

• Daily intramuscular polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) offers a rapid and significant reduction in disease activity and damage for quiescent morphea.
• PDRN demonstrates potential as a novel therapeutic agent for localized scleroderma, warranting further investigation.
• Despite enrollment challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the study outcomes suggest impressive efficacy for PDRN.