Treatment of Morphea With Hydroxychloroquine: A Retrospective Review of 84 Patients at Mayo Clinic, 1996-2013

Publication date: Available online 29 January 2019

Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

Author(s): Anagha Bangalore Kumar, Elizabeth K. Blixt, Lisa A. Drage, Rokea A. el-Azhary, David A. Wetter

Abstract

Background

Few studies support treating morphea (localized scleroderma) with hydroxychloroquine.

Objective

To assess the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine treatment of morphea.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 84 patients who had morphea and were treated with hydroxychloroquine monotherapy for at least 6 months at our institution from 1996 through 2013. The median times to initial and maximal responses were assessed.

Results

Of 84 patients (median age at diagnosis, 29.5 years), 65 (77.4%) were female; 36 (42.9%) had a complete response to hydroxychloroquine; 32 (38.1%) had a partial response greater than 50%; 10 (11.9%) had a partial response less than or equal to 50%; and 6 (7.1%) had no response. The median time to initial response was 4 months; the median time to maximal response was 12 months. Ten patients (11.9%) experienced adverse effects from hydroxychloroquine; the most common was nausea (6 patients).

Limitations

Retrospective study.

Conclusions

Hydroxychloroquine is a valuable treatment for morphea because of its high response rate and low rate of adverse effects; however, prospective studies are needed to determine its true efficacy.

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