Background: Although systemic corticosteroids are effective against cutaneous sarcoidosis, alternative therapies are needed.
Objective: We sought to assess the efficacy and tolerance of thalidomide for cutaneous sarcoidosis.
Methods: We performed a retrospective evaluation of thalidomide (100-200 mg/d) in 12 consecutive patients with cutaneous sarcoidosis treated in a university hospital between 2000 and 2002.
Results: Cutaneous lesions regressed within 1 to 5 months, with an average time of 2 to 3 months for 10 patients. In all, 4 patients achieved complete responses, 6 had partial responses, and 2 had no regression. Nasopharyngeal, pulmonary neurologic, and hepatic symptoms were also attenuated. Thalidomide was well tolerated. The main adverse effect was deep vein thrombosis in 1 patient.
Conclusion: Thalidomide efficacy and tolerance in patients with cutaneous sarcoidosis merits further evaluation in a controlled trial.