How is Eosinophilic Fasciitis treated
Are any therapies effective in patients with Eosinophilic Fasciitis?
High-dose prednisone (40–60 mg/day) often results in marked and rapid improvement in the eosinophilia and gradual improvement in the fasciitis and contractures in more than 70% of treated patients. Given the potential morbidity associated with treatment delay and the improved clinical response with therapy initiation in the edematous phase of disease (Stage I), clinicians should aim for early initiation of corticosteroids followed by a gradual taper over 12 to 18 months. Some patients may be refractory to prednisone therapy and require early initiation of immunosuppressive therapy. Methotrexate is most often used for treatment-resistant cases. Other medications such as mycophenolate mofetil and hydroxychloroquine have been described as well, but with less supporting data. Physical therapy to minimize flexion contractures is important. Strenuous physical exercise should be avoided.
