title: [Thalidomide therapy of cutaneous lupus erythematosus].
abstract: Immunosuppressive and immune-modulating substances such as corticosteroids, chloroquin, hydroxychloroquin, azathioprin, methotrexate, and others are standards in therapy of cutaneous lupus erythematosus. However, alternative substances are necessary when standard therapy regimens fail or are associated with side effects. Describing the course of disease in five female patients, we demonstrate alternative treatment of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus with thalidomide, showing good symptom response and possible side effects. By careful patient selection, we observed no polyneuropathy as it is most commonly described. In two cases, maculopapulous exanthema induced by medication was seen. The teratogeny of the substance must be taken into account in prescription. In selected cases, thalidomide can be a highly effective therapeutic option in the treatment of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus.
authors.affiliation: Hautklinik Minden, Germany. J.Bohmeyer@derma.de
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bohmeyer
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Achenbach
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Westenberger
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stadler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007428:Intradermal Tests; D008178:Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D013792:Thalidomide; D011239:Prednisolone