Successful treatment of SAPHO syndrome with adalimumab: a case report

SAPHO syndrome is a disorder involving the skin, bone and joints. The underlying causes of SAPHO are poorly understood, and treatment is, therefore, directed towards the individual symptoms. However, many patients are refractory to treatment, and new treatment options are needed. Herein, we describe a 28-year-old patient with SAPHO syndrome and palmoplantar pustulosis seen at our hospital. Treatment was initiated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but clinical improvement was poor. The addition of sulfasalazine and oral alendronate also failed to alleviate symptoms. We subsequently commenced treatment with adalimumab 40 mg every 15 days and suspended bisphosphonates. Following 4 weeks’ treatment with adalimumab, there was clear articular improvement and disappearance of palmoplantar pustulous lesions. Nocturnal inflammatory lumbar pain and global disease assessment were also improved. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of adalimumab for SAPHO. More studies are required to confirm our findings.