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A Case of Minocycline-induced Linear Morphea Reactivation
Cory Pettit1, Joy Mosser-Goldfarb1
1Drs. Pettit and Mosser-Goldfarb are with the Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio.
Abstract:
Morphea is a localized form of scleroderma that presents with dermal thickening and fibrotic plaques in the absence of internal organ involvement. Like many autoimmune conditions, these plaques have many different phases, starting out as active, red plaques before later burning out, leaving white, fibrotic plaques behind. Many drugs have been shown to induce morphea, including bleomycin and bromocriptine. We present a case of minocycline-induced reactivation of previously burned out morphea plaques. Minocycline is an important drug in dermatology and the reporting of new adverse events is important so as to help clinicians better weigh the risks and benefits of the drug for specific populations.
Insights
Minocycline medication can unexpectedly reactivate previously resolved morphea plaques, a localized scleroderma. This case highlights potential adverse drug events for dermatologists to consider.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Pharmacovigilance
Background:
- Morphea is a localized scleroderma characterized by dermal thickening and fibrotic plaques.
- The condition typically progresses through active and quiescent phases, leaving fibrotic lesions.
- Drug-induced morphea is a recognized phenomenon, with agents like bleomycin and bromocriptine implicated.
Observation:
- A patient with previously burned out morphea plaques experienced reactivation.
- The reactivation was associated with the use of minocycline, a common dermatologic medication.
Findings:
- This case presents a novel adverse event associated with minocycline.
- Minocycline can induce reactivation of quiescent morphea lesions.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of minocycline's potential to trigger morphea reactivation.
- This finding is crucial for risk-benefit assessments of minocycline in dermatology.
- Further pharmacovigilance is warranted to understand this adverse drug reaction.
