Antimalarial Therapy of Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

A long-term follow-up study of 67 patients with discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus who were seen at the Mayo Clinic and who were treated originally with quinacrine (atabrine) is presented. Of these patients, 58 were followed for 5 or more years. Both systemic and discoid varieties of lupus erythematosus were benefited by antimalarial therapy. Of the 67 patients 7 had complete remissions for 3 years or more without further therapy. Fifty of them responded nicely to treatment with quinacrine but had multiple relapses and required multiple courses of therapy. The remaining 10 patients showed little or no response to treatment. The action of antimalarial compounds in suppressing this process is undisputed; however, the high relapse rate of lupus erythematosus after antimalarial therapy is disappointing and the necessity for continued administration of these compounds for years is deplored It is hoped that a related drug that is less toxic and more effective will be found.