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Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2002; 23(6): 589-596
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-36522
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Therapy for Extrapulmonary Sarcoidosis

Robert P. Baughman, Elyse E. Lower
  • Interstitial Lung Disease and Sarcoidosis Clinic, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Publication History

Publication Date:
07 January 2003 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The treatment of extrapulmonary sarcoidosis has to be adapted to the various organs involved. No treatment is necessary for most asymptomatic individuals. In some cases, topical therapy is sufficient to control problems, especially skin and eye involvement. Systemic therapy usually starts with corticosteroids. However, for chronic forms of the disease, steroid sparing alternatives such as methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine are useful. In some neurologic and cardiac cases, the response to corticosteroids is limited. In that case, alternatives are sought for these refractory patients. Drugs that inhibit tumor necrosis factor may prove useful in these patients. Among the new anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs are thalidomide and infliximab, an antibody to tumor necrosis factor.

KEYWORD

Methotrexate - hydroxychloroquine - azathioprine - infliximab - thalidomide - tumor necrosis factor - prednisone

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