Rothmund-Thomson Syndrome Medication

  • Author: Sylvia Hsu, MD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jul 11, 2011
 

Medication Summary

The goals of pharmacotherapy for Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (poikiloderma congenitale) are to reduce morbidity and to prevent complications.

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Retinoids

Class Summary

These agents decrease the cohesiveness of abnormal hyperproliferative keratinocytes, and they may reduce the potential for malignant degeneration. They also modulate keratinocyte differentiation.

Isotretinoin (Accutane)

 

Synthetic 13-cis isomer of the naturally occurring tretinoin (trans -retinoic acid). Approved for use in severe recalcitrant nodular acne. Recent review by Allison et al revealed clearing in 5 of 6 pediatric patients with pityriasis rubra pilaris within 6 mo.

A US Food and Drug Administration–mandated registry is now in place for all individuals prescribing, dispensing, or taking isotretinoin. For more information on this registry, see iPLEDGE. This registry aims to further decrease the risk of pregnancy and other unwanted and potentially dangerous adverse effects during a course of isotretinoin therapy.

Tretinoin topical (Avita, Retin-A)

 

Inhibits microcomedo formation and eliminates lesions. Makes keratinocytes in sebaceous follicles less adherent and easier to remove. Available as 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1% creams. Also available as 0.01% and 0.025% gels.

Acitretin (Soriatane)

 

Metabolite of etretinate and related to both retinoic acid and retinol (vitamin A). Mechanism of action unknown. However, thought to exert therapeutic effect by modulating keratinocyte differentiation, keratinocyte hyperproliferation, and tissue infiltration by inflammatory cells. Approved for treatment of severe psoriasis.

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Keratolytic

Class Summary

This agent causes cornified epithelium to swell, soften, macerate, and then desquamate.

Salicylic acid topical (Dr. Scholl's)

 

By dissolving the intercellular cement substance, salicylic acid produces desquamation of the horny layer of skin, while not affecting the structure of viable epidermis.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Sylvia Hsu, MD  Professor, Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Saira J George, MD  Staff Dermatologist, Dermatological Association of Texas

Saira J George, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Bernice R Krafchik, MBChB, FRCPC  Professor Emeritus, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Dermatology, University of Toronto

Bernice R Krafchik, MBChB, FRCPC is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Dermatological Association, Canadian Medical Association, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and Society for Pediatric Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Michael J Wells, MD  Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L Foster School of Medicine

Michael J Wells, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Van Perry, MD  Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio

Van Perry, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Catherine M Quirk, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania

Catherine M Quirk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD  Director, Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology, New York

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References
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Note the poikiloderma and skeletal abnormalities.
Close-up of poikiloderma.
Close-up of poikiloderma.
 
 
 
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