Leflunomide as a novel treatment option in severe atopic dermatitis

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Sept-Oct, 2004

The authors set forth a study of two patients with severe atopic dermatitis (AD), recalcitrant for 20 months with leflunomide. At regular visits physical examination, eczema area and severity index (EASI), visual analogue scale (VAS) for itching, and laboratory findings were assessed with according adjustment of the leflunomide dose. The patients presented with almost erythrodermic AD at the initiation of therapy and at approximately four to seven weeks and it was maintained over 20 months (patient 1, median EASI 4.2, median VAS 2; patient 2, median EASI 8.4, median VAS 2). There was one episode of exacerbation for each case.

JDD ARTICLE EVALUATION

This is a case report that demonstrates a novel drug therapy for atopic dermatitis. The resolution was not complete and exacerbations are possible. Leflunomide (Arava[R]) is a pyrimidine de novo synthesis-inhibiting immunosuppressant used for the relief of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms, it also slows RA progression and improves physical function (1). Perhaps in the future we could examine the efficacy of leflunomide in conjunction with other agents like ultraviolet therapy or even biologicals.

References

1. www.arava.com/professional/home.do

Schmitt J. Wozel G. Pfeiffer C. Br J Dermatol 2004; 150(6):1182-5