Leflunomide and azathioprine combination in refractory adult-onset Still's disease

Abstract

Objective: To present a case of Adult-onset Still's disease (ASD) in a patient who was successfully treated with leflunomide and azathioprine.

Case summary: A 24-year-old woman with ASD was initially treated with indomethacin, corticosteroids, and hydroxychloroquine; there was no clinical improvement. Methotrexate was added to the regimen, followed by azathioprine. The patient still experienced disease flares with this treatment, and cyclophosphamide was started. However, because of persisting disease activity, leflunomide combined with azathioprine was given. Only on this regimen was complete disease control achieved, with a normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate as well as normal C-reactive protein and ferritin levels. No recurrences or adverse effects attributable to leflunomide or azathioprine were observed at the one-year follow-up.

Discussion: Clinical experience concerning leflunomide and azathioprine combination in ASD is limited. This combination may be modifying the clinical expression of ASD through its effects on T lymphocyte clonal expansion and production of proinflammatory cytokines.

Conclusions: Leflunomide combined with azathioprine appears to be an effective and safe treatment of ASD.