Discoid lupus erythematosus: treatment with thalidomide [LUPUS ERITEMATOSO FIJO (SU TRATAMIENTO CON TALIDOMIDA)]

Abstract

The results obtained from the first 20 cases of discoid lupus erythematosus 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. The minimum dosage used by the authors seems to be adequate on the basis of the results obtained. The precise mode of action of thalidomide in this instance is unknown, but it is thought that it acts on the hypothalamus. The intolerance to thalidomide and its undesirable side effects consisted of slight somnolence; only one case had fever, cephalea, arthralgia, vertigo, nausea and urticaria, which made it necessary to discontinue the medication. The teratogenic effect of thalidomide obliges us to redouble the vigilance in women of child-bearing age by using parenteral contraceptives applied by or in the 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. 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.