Acitretin therapy is effective for psoriasis associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of a newer retinoid, acitretin, as monotherapy for psoriasis associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection (PS-HIV).


METHODS
Pilot investigation.


METHODS
An academic medical center.


METHODS
Eleven patients selected from volunteers with PS-HIV were enrolled in a 20-week treatment protocol. Two patients discontinued participation in the study because of worsening psoriasis; a third patient was unable to continue treatment after having a myocardial infarction, presumably unrelated to acitretin therapy.


METHODS
Each patient received an optimized dose of acitretin during the period of observation. Clinical and laboratory assessments were performed every 2 weeks during the trial.


METHODS
The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index was used to assess the clinical response to treatment. To monitor for toxic drug effects, a panel of laboratory parameters, including complete blood cell count, biochemistry profile, urinalysis, HLA typing, skin biopsy for histological examination, and T-cell counts, was performed.


RESULTS
Six (54%) of 11 patients with PS-HIV achieved good to excellent responses using acitretin monotherapy. Four patients (36%) achieved complete clearing. There was no evidence of a correlation between the pretreatment measures of immunosuppression and the therapeutic response. Parameters of immunosuppression were not exacerbated by acitretin therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Acitretin is a safe and effective treatment for PS-HIV. Both skin and joint manifestations of PS-HIV responded to acitretin therapy in most patients. Optimal results were achieved with a dose of 75 mg/d. The adverse effects were moderate and well tolerated. Acitretin does not appear to have immunosuppressive properties. A formal randomized clinical trial is warranted.
Buccheri
L
L
Department of Dermatology, Beth Israel Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
Katchen
B R
BR
Karter
A J
AJ
Cohen
S R
SR
D017255:Acitretin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*
D017255:Acitretin