SAPHO syndrome complicated with relapsing polychondritis: A case report

Stellate ganglion block in the treatment of SAPHO syndrome: A case report

Synovitis, acne, palmoplantar pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome is a rare and refractory autoinflammatory disease, and there is no consensus on its treatment. Stellate ganglion block (SGB) blocks sympathetic nerves, ameliorates immune dysfunction, and alleviates stress response, which has been used to treat various chronic pain syndromes, arrhythmias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Also, the SGB has been reported to be successfully used to treat certain skin diseases, autoinflammatory diseases, and menopausal symptoms. In this study, over 3 years of follow-up, we found that SGB successfully intervened the symptoms of SAPHO syndrome, including sternoclavicular joint arthritis and palmoplantar pustulosis.

Tofacitinib for the treatment of severe rare skin diseases: a narrative review

PURPOSE

Autoimmune bullous diseases, connective tissue diseases, and vasculitis represent a group of severe rare skin diseases. While glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents serve as standard treatments for these diseases, their efficacy is limited due to adverse side effects, indicating the need for alternative approaches. Biologics have been used in the management of some rare skin diseases. However, the use of biologics is associated with concerns, such as infection risk and high costs, prompting the quest for efficacious and cost-effective alternatives. This study discusses the safety issues associated with tofacitinib and its potential in treating rare skin diseases.

METHODS

This narrative review focuses on the pharmacodynamic properties of tofacitinib and its impact on the JAK/STAT pathway. In addition, we present a comprehensive discussion of the effects and mechanism of action of tofacitinib for each severe rare skin disease.

RESULTS

This role of tofacitinib in treating severe rare skin diseases has been discussed, shedding light on its promising prospects as a treatment modality. Few reports of serious adverse events are available in patients treated with tofacitinib.

CONCLUSION

We explored the mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety considerations of tofacitinib and found that it can be used as a treatment option for rare skin diseases. However, multicenter clinical studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of JAK inhibitors.

Unusual cause of inflammatory backache: SAPHO syndrome

Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) is a rare chronic inflammatory disease that develops in adults. We present a case of SAPHO syndrome in a 37-year-old male presenting with gradually worsening back and neck pain for a 7-year period. The episodes were preceded by a history of pustular skin eruptions, which first appeared on the upper trunk and then involved his face and were pustular and scarring. The purpose of presenting this case report from Iraq is to raise awareness about this rare condition, which is frequently misdiagnosed and under-recognized.