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Experience with low-dose thalidomide therapy in chronic discoid lupus erythematosus
K P Kyriakis1, G J Kontochristopoulos, D N Panteleos
1Department of Dermatology, The West Attica General Hospital and Leprosy Center, Athens, Greece.
Background:
Low-dose thalidomide therapy (median dose 100 mg/day, 50-200 mg/day) in chronic discoid lupus erythematosus was studied with regard to efficacy, tolerance, and toxicity in 22 patients. Intense contraceptive precautions were taken in women patients of childbearing age.
Methods:
An open uncontrolled trial was conducted. Age, the total drug intake, disease duration, extent/severity, and adverse reactions were studied with regard to the final clinical outcome. The follow-up duration was 1.8 years (range 1 month to 3 years).
Results:
With the exception of age (inverse correlation, P < 0.01), the parameters studied did not influence the final clinical amelioration: complete responders numbered 54.5%, partial responders 22.7%, and 13.6% were withdrawn from the trial with complaints of intolerance. The initial (first month) clinical response correlated significantly with the final one (P < 0.01). Drowsiness (40.9%) and somnolence (18.2%) were the most common side-effects, without affecting seriously the daily life of the participants. No case of real neurotoxicity was confirmed. Relapses occurred within 39.4 +/- 21.4 days after drug withdrawal, presenting a milder clinical picture.
Conclusions:
In the context of a predictable final outcome, low-dose thalidomide therapy is effective as an alternative choice in cases resistant to the usual treatment.