The effect of combined treatment with oral clindamycin and oral rifampicin in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa.

BACKGROUND

A previous limited study showed promising results of combined oral treatment with rifampicin 600 mg and clindamycin 600 mg for 10 weeks.

OBJECTIVE

To expand and to validate the basis for this therapy, we reviewed the response to different treatment durations.

METHODS

A retrospective study in 34 patients.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight of 34 patients (82%) experienced at least partial improvement, and 16 (47%) showed a total remission. The maximum effect of treatment appeared within 10 weeks. Following total remission, 8 of 13 (61.5%) patients treated as mentioned above experienced a relapse after a mean period of 5.0 months. Nonresponders were predominantly patients with severe disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination treatment with oral rifampicin and clindamycin is a promising treatment option for hidradenitis suppurativa, despite the frequent occurrence of diarrhea as a side effect. The length and the dosage of treatment are not yet firmly established.