Long-Term Cefuroxime Axetil in Subacute Cutaneous Lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Background: Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) is a subset of lupus erythematosus characterized mainly by prominent photoaggravated cutaneous manifestations. Standard therapies for SCLE include topical or systemic steroids and antimalarial drugs. Both methods show limited efficacy in clearing cutaneous lesions and occasionally produce serious side effects. Aim: To assess the efficacy of cefuroxime axetil, an oral cephalosporin with antibacterial and immunosuppressive activity, in patients with SCLE. Methods: Three patients with SCLE were treated with cefuroxime axetil at a daily dose of 500 mg for 30–60 days. Results: In all patients complete clearing of skin lesions was achieved and no side effects were observed. Conclusion: We suggest that long-term cefuroxime axetil administration might be an alternative treatment for patients with SCLE skin lesions.

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus: Update of therapeutic options

“…110 Cefuroxime axetil, a second-generation oral cephalosporin, is rapidly hydrolyzed in vivo to the active compound cefuroxime and has a wide spectrum of antibacterial activity. The clinical effect of cefuroxime axetil was investigated in 3 patients with SCLE at a daily dose of 500 mg. 111 In all patients, complete clearance of skin lesions was achieved within 30 to 45 days without side effects; one patient relapsed after follow-up of 7 months and obtained major improvement again after a 30-day treatment with cefuroxime axetil. It is hypothesized that the mechanism of action of cefuroxime axetil in CLE might be based on its immunomodulatory activity.…”

What's new in dermatologic therapy

“…In an unusual report, Rudnicka et al. found that cefuroxime axetil was an effective treatment for subcutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) in three patients (52). Other antibiotics (including other cephalosporins) were ineffective in other patients.…”

Update on the management of cutaneous lupus erythematosus

“…A variety of other antibiotics have been used for the treatment of cutaneous LE. Recently, Rudnicka et al 27 reported that the antibiotic cefuroxime axetil resulted in the clearing of skin lesions in three patients with SCLE at a dose of 500 mg daily. Cefuroxime axetil is a second-generation b-lactamase oral cephalosporin.…”