Clinical and Immunologic Parameters During Thalidomide Treatment of Lupus Erythematosus

The study investigated the effects of thalidomide on clinical and immunologic parameters in 10 lupus erythematosus (LE) patients, including 5 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 5 with cutaneous LE. Thalidomide treatment (100 mg/day) led to an increase in peripheral lymphocyte counts and a decrease in C-reactive protein and autoantibodies to dsDNA in SLE patients. No significant changes were observed in complement components C3 and C4 or immunoglobulin levels. Notably, the treatment resulted in the regression of inflammatory skin lesions and hair regrowth in LE-related alopecia. However, polyneuropathy was a side effect in 4 patients, necessitating careful monitoring. Thalidomide was recommended only for patients unresponsive to standard treatments due to its teratogenic risks.