Vnitr Lek 2017, 63(11):807-814 | DOI: 10.36290/vnl.2017.153

Sarcoidosis - enigmatic disease still unresolved

Vítězslav Kolek^*, Monika Žurková, Vladimíra Lošťáková

Klinika plicních nemocí a tuberkulózy LF UP a FN Olomouc

Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease of unknown etiology, characterized by the presence of granulomatous inflammation in affected tissues. In about 90 % it affects the lungs, but it may basically affect any organ, the most frequently the skin, lymph nodes and eyes. In the case of classic lung manifestation this disease is not difficult to diagnose. When dealing with extrapulmonary manifestations, interdisciplinary cooperation is necessary. The treatment of sarcoidosis is needed in about half of the cases, in some 30 % of patients it may change into a chronic stage and possibly lead to serious health problems or premature death. Treatment is commenced following individual evaluation of the extent of the disease and considering its benefit against possible secondary effects. Corticosteroids remain the systemic drugs of first choice. When ineffective or not tolerated, the drugs of second choice are given, these are corticosteroid replacement drugs such as methotrexate, antimalarial drugs and immunosuppressive drugs. For refractory forms, biological therapy is administered, in particular infliximab or adalimumab.

Keywords: biological therapy; corticosteroids; corticosteroid replacement treatment; extrapulmonary lesions; sarcoidosis

Received: August 16, 2017; Accepted: September 26, 2017; Published: November 1, 2017  Show citation