[Leflunomide in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis]

The aim of this study was to assess the effect and safety of leflunomide (LEF) in refractory RA and to review the literature on this subject. A one year prospective study was conducted on a group of patients (n:15). Mean duration disease was 6.46 years. Rhumatoid factor was present in 12 cases. Leflunomide was administered at a dos of 20mg/day following a loading dose of 100mg/day for three days. The efficacy of LEF was evaluated on clinical and biological parameters of RA evolutivity at one, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Our mean follow up period was about 8 months (2 to 12 months). Good prognostic indicators of disease progression were observed with LEF at one month and later in eleven cases with a good safety. Non serious adverse events were observed with LEF. Our result confirm that LEF may present another therapeutic choice that is efficacious for the long term treatment of refractory RA. Nonetheless, these results must be evaluated on a larger series.