S. Jeanfils et al., INDOMETHACIN TREATMENT OF 18 PATIENTS WITH SWEETS-SYNDROME, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 36(3), 1997, pp. 436-439
Background: The standard treatment for Sweet's syndrome (acute febrile
neutrophilic dermatosis) is oral corticosteroids. Despite a good init
ial response, the disease is characterized by frequent relapses. Objec
tive: Our purpose was to test the therapeutic effect of the nonsteroid
al antiinflammatory drug indomethacin on Sweet's syndrome. Methods: Al
l patients with Sweet's syndrome observed during a 4-year period were
given indomethacin, 150 mg/day for the first week and 100 mg/day for t
wo additional weeks. The therapeutic response was assessed on days 4,
7, 14, 30, and 180. Results: Seventeen of 18 patients had a good initi
al response; fever and arthralgias were markedly attenuated within 48
hours and eruptions cleared between 7 and 14 days. The remaining patie
nt's cutaneous lesions continued to develop and were successfully trea
ted with prednisone (1 mg/kg/day). The only side effect of indomethaci
n treatment was epigastric pain in two patients. No patient had a rela
pse after discontinuation of indomethacin (mean followup, 20.1 months)
. Conclusion: Indomethacin is a safe and effective treatment for Sweet
's syndrome.