Single-center retrospective study of long-term use of low-dose acitretin (Soriatane) for psoriasis.
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| Abstract | BACKGROUND: Indicated as monotherapy for severe psoriasis in adults, acitretin (Soriatane) can be used in combination therapy or as a 'disease-stabilizing, maintenance' agent. While its efficacy for psoriasis and other disorders of keratinization is well established, its safety is often a concern for many dermatologists. The possible side effects associated with short-term treatment of oral retinoids include mucocutaneous effects, elevation in serum lipid chemistries and liver enzymes, and teratogenicity. However, the only possible long-term, cumulative side effect is skeletal and ligamentous calcification such as hyperostosis. There is a specific syndrome of hyperostosis associated with oral retinoids called DISH (diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis). OBJECTIVE: To examine the incidence of DISH syndrome in long-term acitretin use for psoriasis and to quantify the incidence of other side effects. METHODS: All patients seen at the UCSF Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center who had been on acitretin for more than 1 year were identified. RESULTS: A chart review of these patients revealed no X-ray-confirmed cases of DISH syndrome, minimal changes in coronary heart disease risk indicators, and extremely rare significant elevation of liver enzymes. CONCLUSION:
Acitretin does not appear to cause significant long-term side effects at low doses; the implications for thousands of patients are that use of this medication can be continued for long periods of time with routine monitoring.
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| Authors | E Lee, J Koo |
| Journal | The Journal of dermatological treatment (J Dermatolog Treat) Vol. 15 Issue 1 Pg. 8-13 (Jan 2004) ISSN: 0954-6634 [Print] England |
| PMID | 14754643 (Publication Type: Journal Article) |
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