Treatment of cutaneous sarcoidosis with thalidomide.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Although systemic corticosteroids are effective against cutaneous sarcoidosis, alternative therapies are needed.

OBJECTIVE:

We sought to assess the efficacy and tolerance of thalidomide for cutaneous sarcoidosis.

METHODS:

We performed a retrospective evaluation of thalidomide (100-200 mg/d) in 12 consecutive patients with cutaneous sarcoidosis treated in a university hospital between 2000 and 2002.

RESULTS:

Cutaneous lesions regressed within 1 to 5 months, with an average time of 2 to 3 months for 10 patients. In all, 4 patients achieved complete responses, 6 had partial responses, and 2 had no regression. Nasopharyngeal, pulmonary neurologic, and hepatic symptoms were also attenuated. Thalidomide was well tolerated. The main adverse effect was deep vein thrombosis in 1 patient.

CONCLUSION:

Thalidomide efficacy and tolerance in patients with cutaneous sarcoidosis merits further evaluation in a controlled trial.

• Authors: Yên Thi Nguyen, Alain Dupuy, Florence Cordoliani, Marie Dominique Vignon-Pennamen, Céleste Lebbé, Patrice Morel, Michel Rybojad
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (J Am Acad Dermatol) Vol. 50 Issue 2 Pg. 235-41 (Feb 2004) ISSN: 0190-9622 [Print] United States
• PMID: 14726878 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Immunosuppressive Agents
• Thalidomide

Topics

• Adult
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Female
• Humans
• Immunosuppressive Agents (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Retrospective Studies
• Sarcoidosis (drug therapy, pathology)
• Skin Diseases (drug therapy, pathology)
• Thalidomide (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome
• Venous Thrombosis (chemically induced)