Open-label exploratory study of acitretin for the treatment of severe chronic hand dermatitis. (August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tan, Jerry; Maari, Catherine; Nigen, Simon; Bolduc, Chantal; Bissonnette, Robert
• Is Part Of: Journal of dermatological treatment. Volume 26:Number 4(2015:Aug.)
• Page Start: 373
• Page End: 375
• Publication Date: 2015-08
• Subjects: Skin -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Skin Diseases -- drug therapy -- Periodicals; Skin Diseases -- therapy -- Periodicals; 616.5
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-6634

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Introduction</italic>: Acitretin is a retinoid approved for the treatment of psoriasis that has good efficacy for palmoplantar psoriasis. The safety and efficacy of acitretin in severe chronic hand dermatitis (CHD) is unknown.</p> <p> <italic>Methods</italic>: A total of nine patients with severe CHD were enrolled and treated with acitretin 10 mg once daily which could be increased to 30 mg daily if well-tolerated. Patients were treated for up to 24 or 12 weeks if the physician global assessment (PGA) was clear or almost clear at that time. CHD severity was evaluated using a 5-grade PGA scale and the modified total lesion symptom score (mTLSS).</p> <p> <italic>Results</italic>: The proportion of patients achieving PGA of clear or almost clear was 33.3% (95% CI: 9–69%) and the proportion achieving PGA of clear, almost clear or mild was 44% (95% CI: 15–77%). The mTLSS decreased by 45% (−6.3 ± 4.7; <italic>p</italic> = 0.02). Three patients did not complete the study: one due to an increase in facial dermatitis, one due to lack of efficacy and one who withdrew consent.</p> <p> <italic>Conclusions</italic>: This pilot study suggests that acitretin could improve severe CHD. Further studies are needed to better assess the efficacy and safety of acitretin in patients with severe CHD.</p> </abstract>