Rapid and successful response to Abatacept in non - responsive patients with morphea. Presentation of two cases

Abstract Objectives: The Authors described efficacy and significant response to Abatacept therapy in two patients with morphea subtypes and deep tissue involvement. Methods: We evaluated for this contribution two patients (one female and one male) with morphea subtypes and deep tissue involvement characterized by non-responsive to conventional therapy with Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). At baseline, the skin biopsy was evaluated and confirmed classical deposition of dense fibrous tissue in the appropriate layer of the skin. Patients were both screened at baseline, and we started therapy with Abatacept subcutaneous and oral prednisolone. They were reassessed at 3-6 and every six months. Results: The patients tolerated Abatacept well and are much more likely to benefit from treatment. There were not noted severe adverse events. Conclusion: We present two cases showing a good clinical response to Abatacept. Abatacept is considered an option for the treatment of severe or resistant morphea, especially in patients with deep tissue involvement.