Combination oral prednisone and intravenous immunoglobulin in the treatment of scleromyxedema.
BACKGROUND
Scleromyxedema is a clinical variant of the rare disease papular mucinosis that has both cutaneous and systemic manifestations. Treatment options are numerous and tend to be associated with serious potential side effects and frequent relapse.


OBJECTIVE
We report a case of scleromyxedema treated with low-dose oral prednisone and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg). This is followed by a review of the literature.


CONCLUSIONS
IVIg is being used for a growing number of inflammatory and immune disorders. It is being increasingly reported as a successful treatment for scleromyxedema. Although our patient succumbed to the disease, combination therapy with prednisone and IVIg provided temporary symptomatic, laboratory, and clinical improvement of the condition. Optimization of this therapeutic strategy is thus indicated for the management of scleromyxedema.
Majeski
Candace
C
University Dermatology Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
Taher
Muba
M
Grewal
Parbeer
P
Dytoc
Marlene
M
Lauzon
Gilles
G
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017512:Lichenoid Eruptions / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017520:Mucinoses / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D011241:Prednisone