Leflunomide in subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus - two sides of a coin.
BACKGROUND
Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE), a distinct clinical subset of lupus erythematosus, remains a therapeutic challenge, especially in cases resistant to topical and standard systemic therapy. Leflunomide, a novel antirheumatic drug, has shown efficacy in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus in pilot studies.


METHODS
We report two patients with SCLE who demonstrated the spectrum of possible clinical responses to leflunomide therapy.


RESULTS
One patient experienced a complete clinical remission of symptoms, whereas the other developed a massive skin reaction which was distinctly related to the commencement of leflunomide therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, this is the first time that remission and deterioration of SCLE by leflunomide therapy have been described.
Suess
Anke
A
Department of Dermatology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany. anke.suess@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
Sticherling
Michael
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004892:Erythema Multiforme / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D019085:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct; D006801:Humans; D007555:Isoxazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000077339:Leflunomide; D008178:Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D007555:Isoxazoles; D000077339:Leflunomide