Long-term cefuroxime axetil in subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. A report of three cases.
BACKGROUND
Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) is a subset of lupus erythematosus characterized mainly by prominent photoaggravated cutaneous manifestations. Standard therapies for SCLE include topical or systemic steroids and antimalarial drugs. Both methods show limited efficacy in clearing cutaneous lesions and occasionally produce serious side effects.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of cefuroxime axetil, an oral cephalosporin with antibacterial and immunosuppressive activity, in patients with SCLE.


METHODS
Three patients with SCLE were treated with cefuroxime axetil at a daily dose of 500 mg for 30-60 days.


RESULTS
In all patients complete clearing of skin lesions was achieved and no side effects were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
We suggest that long-term cefuroxime axetil administration might be an alternative treatment for patients with SCLE skin lesions.
Rudnicka
L
L
Department of Dermatology, CSK MSWiA, Warsaw, Poland. lidiarud@czsz.mswia.gov.pl
Szymańska
E
E
Walecka
I
I
Słowińska
M
M
D000328:Adult; D002444:Cefuroxime / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008178:Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology
D002511:Cephalosporins; D002444:Cefuroxime; C040738:cefuroxime axetil