Rapid induction of clinical remission in SAPHO syndrome using high-dose Tripterygium glycosides: A case report

Rationale: Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome is a rare disease without standard treatments. Tripterygium wilfordii hook f (TwHF) is a traditional Chinese herb with anti-inflammatory effect, and 1.0 mg/(kg·d) dose of Tripterygium glycosides has been reported to significantly improve the disease activity of a SAPHO patient in a case report. However, the optimal dose of TwHF is still unclear. Here, we report the first case of SAPHO patient who achieved rapid remission in clinical symptoms after receiving 1.5 mg/(kg·d) dose of Tripterygium glycosides treatment.

Patient concerns: A 67-year-old woman noted palmoplantar pustulosis and pain in the anterior chest wall and waist. Bone scintigraphy demonstrated the typical tracer accumulation feature and magnetic resonance images showed bone marrow edema in lumbosacral vertebra.

Diagnoses: The diagnosis was made by dermatological and osteoarticular manifestations and classical signs in bone scintigraphy in accordance with the diagnostic criteria proposed in 2012.

Interventions: Tripterygium glycosides was given with a primary dose of 1.5 mg/(kg·d) for 1 month and then reduced at a rate of 10 mg every 2 weeks until 1.0 mg/(kg·d) for a long-term maintenance.

Outcomes: Fast-induced remission on clinical manifestations was achieved and magnetic resonance imaging abnormality was improved significantly. Additionally, no apparent side effects were observed.

Lessons: 1.5 mg/(kg·d) dose of Tripterygium glycosides seems to have fast-induced remission than 1.0 mg/(kg·d) with reliable safety. Besides, Tripterygium glycosides may also have a pharmacological effect of inhibiting osteolysis and enhancing bone strength.