Etretinate in severe psoriasis of children

Ten children, five with generalized pustular psoriasis and five with erythrodermic disease, were treated with etretinate and observed for up to seven years. In all those with pustular psoriasis, complete clearing was obtained in three weeks to four months, but in one child maintenance therapy had to be introduced twice, for one year each time. In those with erythrodermic psoriasis, the results were favorable only in two, and in two it was necessary to introduce Re-PUVA. Clinical side effects were slight, and laboratory examinations did not disclose any significant abnormalities. In one child who was treated intermittently for seven years, focal osteoporosis of one tibia was disclosed by radiography. No adverse effects on children's development were noticed.