Clindamycin and rifampicin combination therapy for hidradenitis suppurativa.
BACKGROUND
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting apocrine gland-bearing areas of the skin. There is currently no satisfactory treatment.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of a 10-week course of combination clindamycin 300 mg twice daily and rifampicin 300 mg twice daily in the treatment of HS.


METHODS
Patients who had received combination therapy with clindamycin and rifampicin for HS at one U.K. Dermatology Centre between the years 1998 and 2003 were identified from pharmacy records. Their records were analysed retrospectively.


RESULTS
Fourteen patients with HS had received treatment with combination therapy. Eight of these patients achieved remission and a further two achieved remission when minocycline was substituted for clindamycin. Four patients were unable to tolerate therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
This small retrospective study indicates that combination therapy with clindamycin and rifampicin may be effective for HS. However, there is a need for a placebo-controlled trial.
Mendonça
C O
CO
The Dermatology Centre, Hope Hospital, The University of Manchester, Salford, Manchester M6 8HD, UK.
Griffiths
C E M
CE
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002981:Clindamycin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D017497:Hidradenitis Suppurativa / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012293:Rifampin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002981:Clindamycin; D012293:Rifampin