Pentoxyphylline in association with vitamin E reduces cutaneous fibrosis in systemic sclerosis.
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a disorder characterized by skin thickness and vasculopathy. The objective of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of the association of pentoxyphylline and vitamin E in SSc patients. Twelve SSc patients (American College of Rheumatology criteria) enrolled this 24-week open-label study. Patients received daily 800 mg of pentoxyphylline and 800 UI of vitamin E and were evaluated at 4-week interval. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in Modified Rodnan Skin Score (MRSS) at week 24. Nine diffuse SSc patients treated 6 months with cyclophosphamide were used as a historical control group. The mean age of the treated group was 43.6 years, and ten of 12 (84%) patients were women. Their mean MRSS reduced from 25.7 to 18.7 (p = 0.03) at 16th week and remained significantly reduced throughout the study. In contrast, only a trend of MRSS reduction was observed in the historical control group (p = 0.06). Two patients started the study with active ischemic ulcers and ended with a complete healing of them. No serious side effects were reported. Pentoxyphylline and vitamin E might be an alternative therapeutic approach in SSc patients.
de Souza
Romy Beatriz Christmann
RB
Rheumatology Division, Medical School, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 455, 30 andar, São Paulo, SP, 01246-903, Brazil. romy.souza@gmail.com
Macedo
André Regis
AR
Kuruma
Kátia Akemi
KA
Macedo
Patricia Andrade
PA
Borges
Claudia Teresa Lobato
CT
D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005355:Fibrosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010431:Pentoxifylline / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000975:Antioxidants; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D014810:Vitamin E; D010431:Pentoxifylline