RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is recognized as the most prevalent T-cell-mediated inflammatory disease in humans, with predominantly activated T-helper (Th) 1 cell effectors. Leflunomide exerts its anti-inflammatory activities by preventing the generation of proinflammatory Th1 effectors and promoting Th2 cell differentiation. OBJECTIVES: To determine the safety and efficacy of leflunomide in patients with moderate to severe plaque-type psoriasis. METHODS: In an open-label phase II trial, eight patients with psoriasis received oral leflunomide 20 mg daily for 12 weeks. Patients were evaluated for improvement in psoriasis, quality of life, histological changes and toxicity. RESULTS: Antipsoriatic effects were obtained in all but two patients. A significant decrease was observed in the mean +/- SD Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score, from 20.08 +/- 6.85 before treatment to 12.51 +/- 11.83 after (P = 0.03). The antipsoriatic efficiency was confirmed histologically, with a significant mean +/- SD decrease in epidermal thickness, from 0.73 +/- 0.19 micro m before to 0.31 +/- 0.16 microm after (P = 0.01). The quality of life score showed an improvement, from 8.58 +/- 2.38 (mean +/- SD) before to 5.33 +/- 1.95 after (P = 0.02). The treatment was well tolerated; adverse reactions primarily consisted of transitory gastrointestinal events. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that leflunomide for plaque-type psoriasis is a safe and clinically effective option as monotherapy. However, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are needed.
Asunto(s)
Inmunosupresores/uso terapéutico , Isoxazoles/uso terapéutico , Psoriasis/tratamiento farmacológico , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Femenino , Humanos , Inmunosupresores/efectos adversos , Isoxazoles/efectos adversos , Leflunamida , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Psoriasis/patología , Calidad de Vida , Índice de Severidad de la Enfermedad , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
The Munchausen's syndrome is a variant of chronic factitious illness with predominantly physical signs and symptoms under the conscious control of the patient without any obvious gain. The disorder has also been called hospital addiction, professional patient syndrome and in the field of dermatology, dermatitis artefacta. Munchausen's syndrome may mimic many different conditions, especially acute abdominal pain, hemorrhagic disorders, rheumatologic manifestations, factitious fever, and injury of skin. We describe a 28-year-old woman, who was admitted at a local teaching hospital and studied during three years with complaints of a bleeding ulcer on the left knee, severe enough to require blood transfusions. Many procedures and tests were performed without pathologic findings. Afterward, she was seen at our institution; during the study, the suspicion had arisen that the patient had manipulated her ulcer, after the diagnosis of factitious disease was communicated, she admitted. Munchausen's syndrome may have a broad spectrum of manifestations; early recognition can avoid unnecessary treatments and invasive diagnostic studies, with their inherent risk of complications.