The late follow-up of chronic sarcoid patients previously treated with corticosteroids.

Abstract

Relapses occurred in 36.6% of cases, and their pattern was the same as the initial manifestation in the majority of cases. A mild sarcoid activity at the time of withdrawal is not a reason for continuing steroids when the disease is abating. In our white population severe irreversible pulmonary impairment is rare, and even patients requiring chronic therapy need low prednisone dosage, usually around 10 mg daily, to control the disease in the late course.