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Increased muscle tone during etretinate therapy.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|May 1, 1986
Summary
Severe psoriasis patients on etretinate may experience muscle stiffness, a potential side effect mimicking stiff-man syndrome. This symptom, relieved by nerve blocks, requires careful distinction from typical retinoid-related musculoskeletal issues.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
- Retinoids, like etretinate, are used to treat severe psoriasis.
- Musculoskeletal side effects are known with retinoid therapy.
Observation:
- A 40-year-old male psoriasis patient developed painless muscle stiffness during etretinate treatment.
- The patient underwent four successive courses of etretinate therapy.
- Peripheral nerve block provided relief from the increased muscle tone.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms were consistent with stiff-man syndrome.
- Increased muscle tone is identified as a potential adverse effect of etretinate.
- This condition needs differentiation from common musculoskeletal symptoms associated with retinoids.
Implications:
- Highlights a rare neurological side effect of etretinate therapy.
- Emphasizes the importance of recognizing and distinguishing etretinate-induced muscle stiffness.
- Informs clinical practice for managing psoriasis patients on retinoid treatments.