Abstract
For treatment of sarcoidosis, one should develop a long-term management plan. Factors
to be considered include the organ involvement and severity of symptoms. Different
organ manifestations may require different treatments. Intensity of treatment is usually
based on severity of disease or potential for organ failure or death. Glucocorticoids
are quite effective as initial therapy for most forms of sarcoidosis. However, the
toxicity associated with long-term treatment often leads to the use of alternative
treatments. These include cytotoxic agents such as methotrexate, biologic agents such
as the antitumor necrosis factor antibody infliximab, and other anti-inflammatory
drugs such as hydroxychloroquine. In some cases, anti-inflammatory drugs may not help.
Examples include pulmonary hypertension and fibrosis.
Keywords
sarcoidosis - medical therapy - glucocorticosteroids - immunosuppressive agents -
TNF inhibitors
