Interferon-alpha treatment of molluscum contagiosum in a patient with hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome.

Abstract

We report widely disseminated molluscum contagiosum that occurred in a 9-year-old boy secondary to hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome, a primary immunodeficiency disorder. Cutaneous examination revealed numerous, widespread, skin-colored to translucent, firm, umbilicated papules of varying sizes. They were distributed throughout the perineal and gluteal areas and bilaterally over his lower limbs. A biopsy specimen from his skin lesion demonstrated lobulated epidermal growth that consisted of keratinocytes with large intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies and a central crater. These findings were consistent with the diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum. Many treatments for his skin lesions were ineffective, including physical destruction or manual extrusion of the lesions; cryotherapy; curettage; and topical therapies with phenol, trichloroacetic acid, and imiquimod. The patient was treated successfully with subcutaneous interferon-alpha for 6 months without any adverse effect.

• Authors: Sara Sebnem Kilic, Fatih Kilicbay
• Journal: Pediatrics (Pediatrics) Vol. 117 Issue 6 Pg. e1253-1255 (Jun 2006) ISSN: 1098-4275 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 16651279 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents
• Interferon-alpha

Topics

• Antiviral Agents (therapeutic use)
• Child
• Humans
• Interferon-alpha (therapeutic use)
• Job Syndrome (complications)
• Male
• Molluscum Contagiosum (drug therapy, etiology)
• Remission Induction