Serum triglyceride elevation following high-dose vitamin A treatment for pityriasis rubra pilaris.

We describe two patients with pityriasis rubra pilaris in whom hypertriglyceridemia developed following the oral administration of high-dose vitamin A (retinol). The effects of transient hypertriglyceridemia are unknown, as both patients tolerated high-dose vitamin A therapy with minor, if any, other side effects. Both patients had minimal clinical improvement with this therapy. Patients being treated with 1,000,000 IU of vitamin A each day for ten to 14 days should have frequent determinations of serum lipid levels and liver function during the period of drug administration.

Duke Scholars

Author Gerald Sylvan Lazarus Dermatology

Author John Carroll Murray Dermatology