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.
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: Misha Rosenbach; Howa Yeung; Emily Y Chu; Ellen J Kim; Aimee S Payne; Junko Takeshita; Carmela C Vittorio; Karolyn A Wanat; Victoria P Werth; Joel M Gelfand Journal: JAMA Dermatol Date: 2013-05 Impact factor: 10.282