Further experience with toxic vitamin A therapy in pityriasis rubra pilaris.

Abstract

A patient with short-duration pityriasis rubra pilaris was successfully treated with high-dose, toxic vitamin A (retinol), but the disease subsequently recurred in new areas. Serum levels of vitamin A were highest four hours after treatment and returned to the base level within twelve hours. Fasting blood levels of vitamin A during treatment increased to five times the pretreatment level. Ultrastructural changes in the keratinocytes were notable vacuolation, granularity of the cytoplasm, and a decrease in tonofilament masses, all indications of the cellular effect of the vitamin A. We believe that patients with long-duration pityriasis rubra pilaris should be considered for this treatment.

• Authors: R K Winkelmann, J R Thomas 3rd, H W Randle
• Journal: Cutis (Cutis) Vol. 31 Issue 6 Pg. 621-32 (Jun 1983) ISSN: 0011-4162 [Print] United States
• PMID: 6683145 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Vitamin A

Topics

• Aged
• Circadian Rhythm
• Female
• Humans
• Microscopy, Electron
• Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris (blood, drug therapy, pathology)
• Skin (drug effects, ultrastructure)
• Time Factors
• Vitamin A (administration & dosage, blood)