Etretinate (Tigason) and bone changes
Halkier-Sørensen, L.; Andresen, J.H.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 150(27): 1674-1676
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0041-5782 PMID: 3291352 Document Number: 306896
A total of 102 patients (12 children and 90 adults) treated with etretinate (Tigason) for dyskeratotic dermatoses were examined for bone changes. The ages varied from 2.2 to 80 years. The average maintenance dosage was 0.56 mg/kg/24 hours (0.21-1.32). The duration of treatment was 2.5 years (0.1-9.6) and the total dosage was 29 g (1-197). all of the patients were submitted to standard radiographic examination of the peripheral and the axial skeleton. Ten out of the 12 children and 44 out of the 90 adults treated with etretinate had bone changes. As compared with control groups correlated for age and sex, it was found that among the children treated with etretinate there was increased incidence of periosteal thickening, narrowing of discs, periosteal resorption of bones, osteoporosis and slender lon bones. Among the adults treated with etretinate, periosteal thickening and hyperostoses were found. As there is still uncertainty as regards the long-term effects of etretinate on the bones and the reversibility of these changes, it is recommended that etretinate treatment, paticularly in children, should be limited to patients with severe incapacitating dyskeratoses and the lowest possible dosage should be employed. In addition, radiographic examination is recommended prior to the commencement of treatmnet and during and after treatment.