The protective effect of vitamin E on the hemolysis associated with dapsone treatment in patients with dermatitis herpetiformis.
OBJECTIVE
This study looked at whether oral vitamin C and vitamin E would protect the erythrocyte from oxidant damage caused by dapsone in patients with dermatitis herpetiformis.


METHODS
Fifteen consecutive patients with dermatitis herpetiformis taking dapsone therapy received, in addition, 800 U/d of vitamin E for 4 weeks; then 1000 mg of vitamin C per day for 4 weeks, and, finally, combined vitamin E and vitamin C therapy for 4 weeks. Hemolysis indexes were assessed at baseline and after each 4-week period.


RESULTS
Statistical analysis of the results suggests that oral administration of 800 units of vitamin E daily for 4 weeks confers partial protective effect against dapsone-induced hemolysis in patients with dermatitis herpetiformis.


CONCLUSIONS
Partial protection against dapsone-induced hemolysis by orally administered vitamin E, if confirmed as being clinically relevant by further trials, may allow clinicians to continue dapsone therapy orally in patients who develop significant hemolysis. Prophylactic vitamin E to minimize potential hemolysis at the initiation of dapsone therapy may also be appropriate.
Prussick
R
R
Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Hamilton.
Ali
M A
MA
Rosenthal
D
D
Guyatt
G
G
D000328:Adult; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D003622:Dapsone / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003874:Dermatitis Herpetiformis / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006366:Heinz Bodies / Q000473:pathology; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006461:Hemolysis / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008706:Methemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D008875:Middle Aged; D012156:Reticulocytes; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D006454:Hemoglobins; D014810:Vitamin E; D003622:Dapsone; D008706:Methemoglobin; D001205:Ascorbic Acid