Peripheral neuropathy induced by leflunomide:A report of two cases and literature review

Objective To improve the understanding of leflunomide-induced peripheral neuropathy（PNP） in clinicians. Methods PNP in 2 patients with rheumatic disease after treatment with leflunomide was reported,with its related literature was reviewed,and its pathogenesis,risk factors,prevention,treatment and prognosis summarized. Results Progressive numbness in hands,paraesthesia and pain in feet occurred in a 60-year old female patient with rheumatic arthritis（RA） and a 61-year old male patient with overlap syndrome 2 months and 4 years,respectively,after treatment with leflunomide.After PNP secondary to rheumatic disease or induced by other drugs was excluded,it was found to be related with the use of leflunomide since the symptoms of the 2 patients improved after withdrawal of leflunomide. Conclusion The clinical prognosis of patients with leflunomide-induced PNP improves within 30 days after withdrawal of leflunomide.