Therapeutic efficacy of phenytoin in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis. A comparison of short- and long-term treatment.

Abstract

To assess the potential short- and long-term efficacy of phenytoin in treating recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), we treated 22 patients with therapeutic doses of oral phenytoin (blood level, 8 to 10 micrograms/mL) for periods ranging from eight to 99 weeks. Fourteen (64%) of the 22 patients had greater than a 40% mean percentage decrease in blistering of the skin. Nine (41%) of the 22 patients were treated for longer than 75 weeks, and seven (78%) of these nine patients had a mean decrease in blistering of at least 40% during phenytoin therapy. These data, along with previous reports, suggest that phenytoin has therapeutic efficacy in RDEB.

• Authors: T W Cooper, E A Bauer
• Journal: Archives of dermatology (Arch Dermatol) Vol. 120 Issue 4 Pg. 490-5 (Apr 1984) ISSN: 0003-987X [Print] United States
• PMID: 6703753 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Phenytoin

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Blister (drug therapy)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Epidermolysis Bullosa (drug therapy, genetics)
• Female
• Humans
• Infant
• Male
• Phenytoin (administration & dosage, blood)
• Time Factors