Long-term cefuroxime axetil in subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. A report of three cases

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.