Sarcoidosis therapy with cortisone and ACTH--the role of ACTH therapy

Out of 58 sarcoidosis patients 55 were treated successfully with a prednisolone therapy lasting one to two years. The high initial dosis of 40 mg daily has been maintained for at least 3 months. In case of intolerance or inefficiency of corticosteroid therapy a treatment with synthetic ACTH either in combination with corticosteroids or only ACTH was applied to 23 patients. The positive experiences of other authors were confirmed. Synthetic ACTH (1 mg) injected intramuscularly every third day did not cause any side-effects. ACTH can be employed not only in combination with corticosteroids, but it can also substitute them in special clinical cases.