SAPHO syndrome treated with iguratimod combined with NSAIDs, and bisphosphonates: a prospective cohort study

Background: To evaluate the effectiveness of iguratimod combined with NSAIDs, and bisphosphonates treatment for rapid symptom relief in patients with SAPHO syndrome. Methods We recruited all patients seen in our unit from 2018 to 2023 diagnosed with SAPHO syndrome, who were treated with iguratimod combined with NSAIDs, and bisphosphonates, and were followed up for 12 weeks. Results A total of 19 patients were included. There were 14(73.7%) women and 5(26.3%) men. The average age was 49.5 years old (ranging from 26 to 67 years). During the follow-up period, a total of 5 patients terminated the experiment. 13/14(92.9%) patients responded favourably to the treatment of iguratimod combined with NSAIDs, and bisphosphonates. Younger patients might be better treated by iguratimod combined with NSAIDs, and bisphosphonates (p = 0.038) Conclusion Iguratimod combined with NSAIDs, and bisphosphonates seem to be a very effective mode of therapy in quickly relieving the symptoms of patients with SAPHO syndrome. Iguratimod may be a new choice for the treatment of SAPHO syndrome patients.