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D-penicillamine Induced Degenerative Dermopathy
Sujay Khandpur1, Naresh Jain1, Shweta Singla2
1Department of Dermatology and Venereology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Indian Journal of Dermatology
|August 20, 2015
Summary
Long-term D-penicillamine treatment for Wilson's disease can cause drug-induced degenerative dermopathy. This condition presents as skin fragility and cutis laxa-like changes due to interference with collagen and elastin metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
- Genetics
Background:
- D-penicillamine is a chelating agent used to treat Wilson's disease.
- It interferes with collagen and elastin metabolism.
- Cutaneous side-effects are known complications of D-penicillamine therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report two cases of Wilson's disease patients who developed drug-induced degenerative dermopathy.
- To highlight the association between long-term D-penicillamine use and specific skin changes.
Main Methods:
- Case report of two patients with Wilson's disease.
- Review of clinical presentation and treatment history.
- Assessment of skin changes, including fragility and laxity.
Main Results:
- Both patients developed skin fragility over pressure areas.
- Cutis laxa-like changes were observed in both cases.
- These symptoms appeared during long-term D-penicillamine therapy.
Conclusions:
- Long-term D-penicillamine therapy can induce a specific type of degenerative dermopathy.
- This condition is characterized by skin fragility and cutis laxa-like features.
- Clinicians should be aware of these potential dermatological side-effects in patients on D-penicillamine.
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