An updated review of acitretin--a systemic retinoid for the treatment of psoriasis.
BACKGROUND
Acitretin is a systemic retinoid used for psoriasis. It normalizes cellular differentiation and maturation and is also used as a chemopreventive agent against cutaneous malignancies. However, it is not used frequently because of its side-effect profile.


OBJECTIVE
Safety and efficacy of acitretin was evaluated as monotherapy, as well as in combination with other systemic agents.


METHODS
Medical literature from 2005 to 2008 was reviewed. The most scientifically rigorous clinical trials were selected for Psoriasis Area and Severity Index. Articles were limited to case reports or clinical trials, human subjects and English language journals.


CONCLUSIONS
Acitretin is effective as monotherapy for pustular and erythrodermic psoriasis and for plaque psoriasis (with other systemic agents). Side effects of acitretin use occur more commonly with high doses. Hence, acitretin is safe and effective for psoriasis.
Pang
Mei-Lin
ML
University of California, San Francisco, Department of Dermatology, San Francisco, CA, USA. PangML@derm.ucsf.edu
Murase
Jenny E
JE
Koo
John
J
D017255:Acitretin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007641:Keratolytic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*
D007641:Keratolytic Agents; D017255:Acitretin