Intensive local thermotherapy cleared extensive viral warts in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Purpose: A variety of medications and procedures are available for the treatment of warts, but it appeared the treatment response in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients is poor. It is necessary to investigate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of local thermotherapy for extensive viral warts. Materials and methods: A SLE patient on systemic steroid developed extensive viral warts on both her hands and feet for months. She had a high score of SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), up to 30, and was extensively treated with high and prolonged dosage of corticosteroid and intermittent use of cyclophosphamide. We applied local hyperthermia at 44 °C on a target lesion for 30 min on days 1, 2, 3, 17, 18, a protocol which has been successfully used in treating viral warts. There was no sign of clinical response in a 3-month follow-up. Then we treated the patient on a once-a-week protocol. Result: All the lesions cleared in ten weeks and there was no sign of recurrence. Conclusion: This observation suggests that more intensive local hyperthermia is required for clearing viral warts in SLE.

• Human papillomavirus
• hyperthermia
• systemic lupus erythematosus
• viral warts

Acknowledgement

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for submission and publication of this case report and accompanying images. Yi Ren and Wei Huo contributed equally to this work.

Declaration of interest

This work was supported by the Public Welfare Programme, Ministry of Health, China (grant number 201202013); and the Innovative Research Team in Universities, Liaoning Bureau of Education (grant number LT2012012). The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.