There have been several new insights into the cause and treatment of sarcoidosis. Studies of genetic variation have shown that specific genetic polymorphisms are associated with increased risk of disease or affect disease presentation. These polymorphisms include variation of MHC and cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF). Not all investigators have come to the same conclusion, suggesting an interaction of various factors, including the patient's ethnic origin. Treatment of sarcoidosis varies considerably. Patients with symptomatic disease for more than 2-5 years have been of particular interest. Corticosteroids remain the standard of care in such cases, but immunosuppressive drugs have proved steroid-sparing in many patients. New agents, including pentoxifylline, thalidomide, and infliximab have proved useful in selected cases. The effectiveness of these agents seems to lie in their ability to block TNF, especially in the treatment of chronic disease.

BackgroundThe major reasons to treat sarcoidosis are to lower the morbidity and mortality risk or to improve quality of life (QoL). The indication for treatment varies depending on which manifestation is the cause of symptoms: lungs, heart, brain, skin, or other manifestations. While glucocorticoids (GC) remain the first choice for initial treatment of symptomatic disease, prolonged use is associated with significant toxicity. GC-sparing alternatives are available. The presented treatment guideline aims to provide guidance to physicians treating the very heterogenous sarcoidosis manifestations.Materials and MethodsA European Respiratory Society Task Force (TF) committee composed of clinicians, methodologists, and patients with experience in sarcoidosis developed recommendations based on the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) methodology. The committee developed eight PICO (Patients, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes) questions and these were used to make specific evidence-based recommendations.ResultsThe TF committee delivered twelve recommendations for seven PICOs. These included treatment of pulmonary, cutaneous, cardiac, and neurologic disease as well as fatigue. One PICO question regarding small fiber neuropathy had insufficient evidence to support a recommendation. In addition to the recommendations, the committee provided information on how they use alternative treatments, when there was insufficient evidence to support a recommendation.ConclusionsThere are many treatments available to treat sarcoidosis. Given the diverse nature of the disease, treatment decisions require an assessment of organ involvement, risk for significant morbidity, and impact on QoL of the disease and treatment.MessageAn evidence based guideline for treatment of sarcoidosis is presented. The panel used the GRADE approach and specific recommendations are made. A major factor in treating patients is the risk of loss of organ function or impairment of quality of life.

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Sarcoidosis-associated fatigue is globally recognised as a disabling symptom. Fatigue has been reported in up to 50-70% of sarcoidosis patients, causing impaired quality of life. The aetiology of this troublesome problem remains elusive and is usually multifactorial. Fatigue can be a consequence of treatment itself, including as a complication of corticosteroid therapy. The diagnosis of sarcoidosis-associated fatigue requires an extensive evaluation to identify and treat potentially reversible causes. Granuloma formation and cytokine release may be involved in its aetiology. However, despite adequate sarcoidosis treatment, many patients continue to experience fatigue. Comorbidities associated with sarcoidosis, including depression, anxiety, hypothyroidism and altered sleep patterns, may all contribute to fatigue. Despite an exhaustive search for treatable clinical causes of fatigue, most patients' complaints of fatigue are not correlated with clinical parameters of disease activity. Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of various neurostimulants, including methylphenidate, for the treatment of sarcoidosis-associated fatigue. These and other agents may be useful adjuncts for the treatment of sarcoidosis-associated fatigue. Obviously, there is a need for studies evaluating the causes and new therapeutic options of sarcoidosis-associated fatigue. Psychological interventions should also be examined.