Effectiveness of topical sodium thiosulfate for ectopic calcifications and ossifications. Results of the CATSS-O study.

INTRODUCTION

Ectopic calcifications (ECs) and heterotopic ossifications (HOs) form in non-mineralized tissues, most often in subcutaneous and muscular areas. Local and systemic complications can cause severe disability. Systemic administration of sodium thiosulfate (STS) gives promising results but is difficult to use in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of topical STS in ECs and HOs.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of the CATSS-O registry that included patients receiving topical STS 25 % prepared by the pharmacy of Limoges hospital during 2014-2020. The efficacy of STS was assessed by imaging (radiography or CT) after at least 6 months' treatment.

RESULTS

Among 126 patients who received STS 25 %, 35 had complete clinical and radiographic data for analysis (28 with ECs and 7 with HOs; 18 children [mean age 8.9 years, range 1.5-16], 17 adults [mean age 52.4 years, range 24-90]). Calcifications or ossifications were due to dermatomyositis (8 children, 6 adults), systemic scleroderma (6 adults) or pseudo-hypoparathyroidism 1A (7 children). They were single (37.1 %) or multiple (62.9 %). Treated regions were in the lower limbs (31.4 %), upper limbs (37.1 %) or both (28.6 %) and the axial region (2.9 %). Topical STS was clinically effective in 9/28 (32.1 %) patients with ECs and 2/7 (28.6 %) children with HOs. Three patients experienced complete disappearance of their calcifications. Response for ECs was better in children than adults (54.5% vs 17.6 %, p = 0.035). Topical STS was well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

Local STS seems effective for ossifications, particularly pediatric calcifications or ossifications. Randomized and experimental studies are needed to confirm this observation and to identify the underlying mechanisms.