Hand Eczema

Real-world experience with alitretinoin in a community dermatology practice setting in patients with chronic hand dermatitis

BACKGROUND

The treatment of moderate to severe chronic hand dermatitis (CHD) has been advanced with the introduction of alitretinoin (9-cis-retinoic acid). Although clinical trial data demonstrated the efficacy and safety of alitretinoin, real-world experience is lacking in a more generalized patient population.

OBJECTIVE

Patients with CHD often, and unsuccessfully, attempt several therapeutic options before seeing a dermatologist. This chart review study aimed to examine the experience of using alitretinoin for CHD in a dermatology office setting.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of electronic medical records was conducted of all patients prescribed alitretinoin in a community dermatology practice.

RESULTS

Alitretinoin was well tolerated in this patient population of 53 patients and showed a clinically significant reduction in disease symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Alitretinoin was a safe and well-tolerated treatment with significant clinical improvement in our patient population. Few clinically significant laboratory abnormalities were identified, and only one patient discontinued therapy due to adverse events.