Vitamin E Therapy in Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa

Abstract

To the Editor.— Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, a rare hereditary disorder, is characterized by the formation of bullae over the sites of friction. The clinical features of the condition have been described elsewhere. 1,2 Various drugs, like corticosteroids, 3 amino acids, 4 and chloroquine phosphate, 5 have been used but without beneficial effects. Vitamin E therapy in a case of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa was first suggested by Price, 6 later on commended by Wilson, 7 and by Ayers and Mihan. 8 A trial of vitamin E, (DL-alpha tocopheryl [Ephynal]) acetate therapy was undertaken in three cases of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa with beneficial results. Report of Cases Vitamin E acetate was administered in oral dosages of 300 to 600 international units (IU) daily in these cases. The treatment was started May 21, 1971, and continued until Sept 29. A remarkable improvement was evident by the regression of the existing skin lesions