[Psoriasis arthritis--long-term treatment of two patients with leflunomide]

The prodrug leflunomide is an immunomodulatory agent whose M1 metabolite inhibits the proliferation of T- and B-lymphocytes. The efficacy of leflunomide in rheumatoid arthritis suggests it may be useful psoriasis arthritis. Two patients with psoriasis arthritis in whom NSAIDs, glucocorticosteroids, sulfasalazine, cyclosporine and methotrexate were not as effective as expected were treated with leflunomide for 18 and 27 months. At regular visits examination of the joints (according to the ACR criteria) and the skin (PASI), the visual analogue scale for pain, and the quality of life (HAQ) were assessed. In both patients progression of the joint disease was arrested, pain reduced and quality of life improved. The cutaneous findings did not change, even though topical therapy was continued. Leflunomide is a long-term treatment option for patients with predominantly joint disease. In case of insufficient response, combination with other anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g. methotrexate, is possible. As leflunomide has little effect on psoriatic skin lesions, additional topical therapy is necessary.