Related Experiment Videos
[Rheumatologic effects of etretinate]
J F Cuny1, J L Schmutz, M N Terver
1Clinique Dermatologique, Hôpital Fournier, Nancy.
Annales De Dermatologie Et De Venereologie
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Long-term etretinate treatment can cause bone diseases similar to hypervitaminosis A, including ligament calcification and premature epiphyseal closure in patients with keratinization disorders.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Etretinate is a synthetic vitamin A derivative used for keratinization disorders.
- Chronic hypervitaminosis A and isotretinoin can cause bone abnormalities.
Observation:
- Two patients with lamellar ichthyosis and pachyonychia congenita developed bone diseases during long-term etretinate treatment.
- Symptoms included lumbar pain, ligament calcification, hyperostosis, scoliosis, limb length discrepancy, osteopenia, and premature epiphyseal closure.
Findings:
- Etretinate treatment, particularly at high doses over several years, is linked to spinal hyperostoses and extraspinal ligament calcification.
- Musculoskeletal abnormalities observed were consistent with chronic hypervitaminosis A.
Implications:
- This study highlights the potential for serious bone-related side effects with prolonged etretinate use.
- Clinicians should monitor patients for skeletal abnormalities, especially children, due to the risk of premature epiphyseal closure.