Ilium osteitis as the main manifestation of the SAPHO syndrome:: Response to infliximab therapy and review of the literature

Objective: To analyze the clinical efficacy of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha therapy in the SAPHO (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, osteitis) syndrome. We describe 2 new cases with ilium osteitis as the main SAPHO syndrome feature and review reported cases treated with anti-TNF-alpha. Methods: A literature search of SAPHO syndrome cases treated with TNF-alpha blocking therapy with special emphasis on osteoarticular and skin responses was performed. Results: Eighteen cases were identified: 17 SAPHO syndrome and 1 chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis, a juvenile variant of SAPHO syndrome. Sixteen were reported cases and 2 were nonreported cases seen in our arthritis unit. Sixteen patients received infliximab and 2 received etanercept, with an early, sustained clinical improvement in most cases. Conclusions: Anti-TNF-alpha therapies are effective treatment for patients with refractory SAPHO syndrome, not only for cutaneous lesions but also for persistent bone lesions such as osteitis. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.