Open-label exploratory study of acitretin for the treatment of severe chronic hand dermatitis.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Acitretin is a retinoid approved for the treatment of psoriasis that has good efficacy for palmoplantar psoriasis. The safety and efficacy of acitretin in severe chronic hand dermatitis (CHD) is unknown.

METHODS:

A total of nine patients with severe CHD were enrolled and treated with acitretin 10 mg once daily which could be increased to 30 mg daily if well-tolerated. Patients were treated for up to 24 or 12 weeks if the physician global assessment (PGA) was clear or almost clear at that time. CHD severity was evaluated using a 5-grade PGA scale and the modified total lesion symptom score (mTLSS).

RESULTS:

The proportion of patients achieving PGA of clear or almost clear was 33.3% (95% CI: 9-69%) and the proportion achieving PGA of clear, almost clear or mild was 44% (95% CI: 15-77%). The mTLSS decreased by 45% (-6.3 ± 4.7; p = 0.02). Three patients did not complete the study: one due to an increase in facial dermatitis, one due to lack of efficacy and one who withdrew consent.

CONCLUSIONS:

This pilot study suggests that acitretin could improve severe CHD. Further studies are needed to better assess the efficacy and safety of acitretin in patients with severe CHD.

• Authors: Jerry Tan, Catherine Maari, Simon Nigen, Chantal Bolduc, Robert Bissonnette
• Journal: The Journal of dermatological treatment (J Dermatolog Treat) Vol. 26 Issue 4 Pg. 373-5 ( 2015) ISSN: 1471-1753 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 25102893 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Dermatologic Agents
• Acitretin

Topics

• Acitretin (therapeutic use)
• Chronic Disease
• Dermatologic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Hand Dermatoses (drug therapy, pathology)
• Humans
• Pilot Projects
• Treatment Outcome