Low-dose naltrexone: a novel treatment for Hailey-Hailey disease
V Campbell1, C McGrath1, A Corry1
1Department of Dermatology, Wing D, Belfast City Hospital, Lisburn Rd, Belfast, BT9 7AB, U.K.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|October 10, 2017
Summary
Low-dose naltrexone shows promise for treating severe Hailey-Hailey disease. This rare inherited skin condition, also known as chronic benign familial pemphigus, can be debilitating and resistant to conventional therapies.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD) is a rare, inherited blistering skin disorder.
- It typically presents with erosions in intertriginous areas, triggered by minor stress or trauma.
- HHD often proves resistant to standard dermatological treatments.
Observation:
- A case of treatment-resistant HHD is presented.
- The patient had failed multiple therapies including topical/oral steroids, antibiotics, dapsone, acitretin, and cyclosporine.
- A family history revealed a sister with similar HHD who experienced incidental benefit from low-dose naltrexone.
Findings:
- Low-dose naltrexone (4.5 mg daily) was initiated for the patient.
- Significant clinical and psychological improvements were observed following naltrexone treatment.
- This suggests a potential therapeutic role for low-dose naltrexone in refractory HHD.
Implications:
- Low-dose naltrexone may offer a novel treatment option for severe, treatment-resistant Hailey-Hailey disease.
- Further research is warranted to explore the efficacy and mechanisms of naltrexone in HHD.
- This finding could improve management strategies for patients with this rare genetic dermatosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
49.9K
Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the...
49.9K
01:17Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
767
Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
767
01:22Alzheimer's Disease: Treatment
1.1K
Alzheimer's Disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder, is pathologically identified by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein. AD pharmacotherapy aims to manage cognitive symptoms, delay disease progression, and treat behavioral symptoms. The treatment is primarily symptomatic and palliative, with no definitive disease-modifying therapy available. Cholinesterase inhibitors, including donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Razadyne), are...
1.1K
01:27Phase I Reactions: Reductive Reactions
650
Phase I biotransformation reductive reactions are chemical processes that modify drugs by introducing or revealing polar functional groups via reduction. Enzymes called reductases catalyze these reactions, playing a pivotal role in drug metabolism by transforming lipophilic drugs into more polar, water-soluble metabolites for easy excretion. An essential type of reductive reaction is the carbonyl group reduction, where aldehydes and ketones are reduced to alcohols. An example is the...
650
01:21Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
547
Glucocorticoids, a class of anti-inflammatory drugs, are pivotal in treating moderate to severe Crohn's disease by inducing remission. They exhibit their anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1, and chemokines like IL-8. In addition, they reduce the expression of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and inhibit gene transcription of nitric oxide synthase, phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2...
547
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
583
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel...
583