Treatment of cutaneous sarcoidosis with thalidomide.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Thalidomide efficacy and tolerance in patients with cutaneous sarcoidosis merits further evaluation in a controlled trial.
Nguyen
Yên Thi
YT
Dermatology Department, Hôspital Saint-Louis, Paris, France.
Dupuy
Alain
A
Cordoliani
Florence
F
Vignon-Pennamen
Marie Dominique
MD
Lebbé
Céleste
C
Morel
Patrice
P
Rybojad
Michel
M
D000328:Adult; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000139:chemically induced
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D013792:Thalidomide