[Bone complications from chronic etretinate intoxication in children]. / Complications osseuses de l'intoxication chronique par l'étrétinate chez l'enfant.

ABSTRACT

Clinical, roentgenographic and biologic features of etretinate bone toxicity in a 13-year-old girl with pachyonychia congenita syndrome are reported. Etretinate is a synthetic derivative of vitamin A that infrequently induces bone and joint abnormalities in children. The following manifestations can be observed cortical hyperostosis, pain, calcification of tendons, thinning of long bones, demineralization, premature closure of epiphyses, or abnormal remodelling. Onset of these anomalies is often delayed since etretinate has a long half-life. Mechanisms are unknown. We advocate use of the minimum effective dosage and regular monitoring of patients.