Related Experiment Videos
Penicillamine-induced pemphigus erythematosus.
M J Willemsen1, A L De Coninck, L E De Raeve
1Department of Dermatology, Akademisch Ziekenhuis Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Belgium.
International Journal of Dermatology
|April 1, 1990
Summary
D-penicillamine treatment can trigger pemphigus erythematosus in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Topical corticosteroids effectively resolved the persistent skin lesions, even years after drug discontinuation.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease.
- D-penicillamine is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) used for RA.
- Drug-induced dermatoses are a known complication of various medications.
Observation:
- A patient with rheumatoid arthritis developed pemphigus erythematosus.
- The condition emerged four months into D-penicillamine therapy.
- Skin lesions persisted for 14 years after discontinuing D-penicillamine.
Findings:
- D-penicillamine can induce pemphigus erythematosus.
- Topical betamethasone dipropionate achieved complete regression of skin lesions.
- The drug-induced autoimmune condition showed prolonged persistence.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for D-penicillamine to cause severe autoimmune skin reactions.
- Emphasizes the importance of monitoring for dermatological side effects during D-penicillamine treatment.
- Suggests topical corticosteroids as an effective treatment for drug-induced pemphigus erythematosus.