Successful treatment of chronic hand eczema with oral 9-cis-retinoic acid.
BACKGROUND
9-cis-Retinoic acid (9-cis-RA) has a particular pattern of binding and activating retinoid receptors. Treatment of chronic hand eczema is often refractory to conventional treatment.


OBJECTIVE
Evaluation of oral 9-cis-RA therapy in chronic hand eczema in a pilot study.


METHODS
Thirty-eight patients with refractory chronic hand eczema were treated in an exploratory open-label study with oral 9-cis-RA.


RESULTS
Twenty-one (55%) showed a very good response, 13 (34%) a good response, 2 (5.5%) a moderate response and 2 (5.5%) no response. Side effects were mild.


CONCLUSIONS
9-cis-RA is a valuable drug when given at low doses to patients with chronic hand eczema.
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D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000077556:Alitretinoin; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002613:Cheilitis / Q000139:chemically induced; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004485:Eczema / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005483:Flushing / Q000139:chemically induced; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006261:Headache / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000077556:Alitretinoin; D014212:Tretinoin