Optimization of treatment of morphea associated with metabolic syndrome

Objective. To study the efficacy of statins in the treatment of morphea in patients with metabolic syndrome and to study the dynamics of inflammatory markers on the background of atorvastatin use.Materials and methods. Atorvastatin at a dose of 20 mg per day was included in the treatment of patients with morphea asociated with metabolic syndrome. Clinical efficacy was evaluated after 3, 6, and 9–12 months on the basis of the dynamics of the modified localized scleroderma skin severity index mLoSSI, changes of laboratory markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)), which was evaluated in 27 patients.Results. In patients whose treatment complex included atorvastatin, there was a persistent clinical improvement, which was manifested in a more pronounced decrease in the modified severity index of morphea mLoSSI relative to the control group after 6, 9-12 months of taking the drug, a marked decrease in the number of recurrences of the disease. When taking atorvastatin in patients with morphea with concomitant metabolic syndrome, there was a statistically significant decrease in the levels of inflammatory markers: CRP and TNF-alpha (p < 0.05).Conclusion. The use of Atorvastatin at a dose of 20 mg per day in patients with limited scleroderma in combination with metabolic syndrome showed pronounced clinical efficacy, reduced the number of recurrences of the disease. There was a decrease in the levels of proinflammatory markers (CRP, TNF-alpha) when taking atorvastatin in patients with morphea associated with metabolic syndrome. The use of atorvastatin in patients with morphea and concomitant metabolic syndrome is effective in preventing relapses of morphea, reducing its severity.