Korean J Dermatol.  2022 Feb;60(2):91-98.

Efficacy and Safety of Oral Alitretinoin in Various Refractory Dermatologic Diseases: A Retrospective Study

• Shon U
• Choi MS
• Park BC
• Kim MH

Abstract

Background
Patients with dermatologic diseases refractory to conventional treatments including corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and phototherapy require new treatment options. Limited studies have investigated the efficacy of alitretinoin for various diseases.
Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral alitretinoin for various refractory dermatologic diseases.
Methods
A total of 168 patients treated with oral alitretinoin for various dermatologic diseases such as psoriasis, contact dermatitis, hand eczema, and pityriasis rubra pilaris were reviewed. Treatment response was measured according to the Physician’s Global Assessment scale and adverse events (AEs) based on medical records.
Results
Patients with a mean age of 46.6±14.7 years were treated with oral alitretinoin for 26.1±27.6 weeks. The overall response rate (very good or excellent) was 49.5%. The response rate was the highest (74.4%) in the eczema disease group. Overall, 80 patients (74.8%) experienced AEs, and headache (46.7%) was the most common AE, followed by decreased serum free T4 (16.8%) and elevated triglycerides (12.1%). Most AEs were tolerable, except for one case of benign intracranial hypertension.
Conclusion
Despite its limited approval for severe chronic hand eczema, oral alitretinoin may be a relatively safe and effective option for various refractory dermatologic diseases.

Keyword

Alitretinoin; Contact dermatitis; Eczema; Pityriasis rubra pilaris; Psoriasis