Alitretinoin as a Treatment Modality for Ichthyosis in Women of Childbearing Age: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background: Acitretin, a synthetic vitamin A derivative, is the most studied and widely used oral retinoid for ichthyoses. Its major disadvantage is the need for contraceptive measures during 3 years after discontinuation. An alternative is needed for women of childbearing age. With alitretinoin, another retinoid, pregnancy is considered safe 1 month after discontinuation. Objectives: The aim of this study was to provide evidence for alitretinoin as an alternative for acitretin for ichthyosis in women of childbearing age. Our experience is shared in a case series combined with an overview of the current literature. Methods: Nine women of childbearing age (19–31 years, median 21) with different subtypes of ichthyosis (autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis, (superficial) epidermolytic ichthyosis, erythrokeratoderma variabilis, and epidermolytic epidermal nevi, a mosaic form of epidermolytic ichthyosis) were included and treated with 30 mg alitretinoin during 2–28 months. Severity was measured by Ichthyosis Area Severity Index (IASI) and Investigator Global Assessment (IGA). A literature search in Pubmed using the Mesh terms “alitretinoin,” “skin diseases, genetic” and “ichthyosis” was performed. Results: Significant reduction in the mean scores of IGA, IASI-erythema, IASI-scaling, and IASI-total was seen. Seven patients are still being treated, 1 patient stopped to become pregnant, 1 patient discontinued due to financial reasons. Observed side effects were reversible headache (n = 6), asteatotic eczema (n = 1), “not feeling well” temporarily (n = 1), and easier blistering of the feet (n = 1). The literature search resulted in six case reports and case series about alitretinoin in ichthyosis and ichthyosis syndromes with in total 29 patients. The vast majority of articles (21/29) reported significant improvement or even complete remission of skin symptoms. However, validated outcome measures to support these results were lacking. Side effects (n = 16) were relatively mild, except for benign intracranial hypertension (n = 1) and autoimmune hypothyroidism (n = 1). Conclusion: Our study shows, with validated outcome measures, that alitretinoin is effective to mitigate the symptoms of ichthyosis in women of childbearing age and a suitable alternative to acitretin.