Long-term griseofulvin treatment for progressive systemic sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Dermatology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis affecting skin, internal organs, and vasculature.
• Current treatments for PSS have limited efficacy and significant side effects.
• Griseofulvin, an antifungal agent, has been explored for potential immunomodulatory effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of griseofulvin in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis.
• To assess the impact of griseofulvin on various clinical and functional parameters in PSS patients.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 33 patients with PSS received griseofulvin (375-500 mg/day) for 12-84 months.
• Clinical assessments included self-evaluation, physical examination, laboratory tests, ECG, GFR, and imaging (esophagus and chest X-rays).

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in subjective condition, skin thickening, and elasticity was observed in 85% of patients (28/33).
• Improvements were noted particularly in the trunk and proximal limbs, with increased chest expansion (p<0.05).
• Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) showed significant improvement (p<0.01); lung, esophageal, and cardiac involvement remained largely unchanged.

Conclusions:

• Griseofulvin is a safe and well-tolerated medication for PSS treatment.
• Griseofulvin demonstrates a positive influence on skin and renal manifestations of PSS.
• Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects and mechanisms of griseofulvin in PSS.