Use of Hydroxychloroquine in Japan

To the Editor: Antimalarial agents have been used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases for the last half century, with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) being approved in the United States in 19551. In addition to its common use in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), including cutaneous forms, it has also proven useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA)2,3,4 and Sjögren’s syndrome5. In SLE, antimalarial agents have been shown to decrease disease activity and subsequent flares in both nonpregnant6 and pregnant patients7. Other potential benefits include a decreased risk of infection8 and thrombosis9 … Address correspondence to Dr. M. Kishimoto; E-mail: mkishimo{at}luke.or.jp