Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors for pediatric patients with SAPHO syndrome associated with acne conglobata

Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome is a rare chronic inflammatory disease with osteoarticular and cutaneous involvements as its main manifestations. Acne conglobata as a severe acne form may affect adolescent patients. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors are usually used as a second-line therapy for refractory SAPHO syndrome and has been reported to treat acne conglobata successfully. We herein report three cases of adolescent patients with SAPHO syndrome associated with acne conglobata who were successfully treated with TNFi therapy. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12969-022-00749-9.