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Electromyographic abnormalities in patients undergoing long-term therapy with etretinate
1Department of Dermatology, Beilinson Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|August 1, 1988
Summary
Etretinate therapy may cause subclinical muscle damage, even without patient-reported symptoms. Routine neuromuscular evaluations are recommended for patients on long-term etretinate treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Dermatology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Etretinate is a systemic retinoid used for dermatological conditions.
- Long-term retinoid therapy can have various side effects.
- Potential neuromuscular effects of etretinate require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate neuromuscular function in patients receiving long-term etretinate therapy.
- To assess for subclinical muscle damage associated with etretinate use.
Main Methods:
- Electromyographic (EMG) studies were conducted on 13 patients on etretinate.
- Serum muscle enzyme levels were measured in all participants.
- Clinical assessment for muscle pain and weakness was performed.
Main Results:
- No patients reported muscle pain or weakness.
- EMG studies revealed low amplitude and short duration action potentials in 3 of 13 patients.
- Mild muscular weakness was observed in one patient with abnormal EMG findings.
- Serum muscle enzyme levels remained within normal ranges for all patients.
Conclusions:
- Etretinate therapy may lead to subclinical neuromuscular damage.
- Neuromuscular evaluation should be considered in routine follow-up for patients on long-term etretinate.
- Early detection of potential muscle damage can inform treatment management.