[Fixed lupus erythematosus (its treatment with thalidomide)]

The results obtained from the first 20 cases of Discoid Lupus Erithematosus treated with Thalidomide showed evidence of its great efficacy, evident from the first 15 days of treatment. In the incipient cases the results were even spectacular. 2. The minimum dosage used by the authors seems to be adequate on the basis of the results obtained. 3. The precise mode of action of thalidomide but it is thought that in acts on the hypothalamus. 4. The intolerance to Thalidomide and its undesireable side effects consisted slight somnolence; only one case had fever, cephalea, arthralgia, vertigo, nausea and urticaria which is unknown made it necessary to discontinue the medication. 5. The teratogenic effect of thalidomide obliges us to redouble the vigilance in women in age of reproduction by using of parenteral contraceptives applied by or in presence of the investigator. This study included one case that started treatment during the 7th month of pregnancy, without any problem and with an excellent result. The patient gave birth to a healthy full term infant. 6. It is recognized that this preliminary study should be continued with a greater number of cases and that these should be continued for a longer follow-up evaluation. At the present time, the authors believe that thalidomide is the best treatment for Discoid Lupus Erythematosus.