Surveillance for skeletal toxicity of children treated with etretinate.

Following recent reports of the development of skeletal abnormalities in patients treated with etretinate (Tigason®), we have examined 19 children and adolescents on long-term treatment with etretinate, using ^99mtechnetium methylene diphosphonate (^99mTcMDP) whole body bone scans and musculoskeletal assessment. No significant bony abnormalities were detected. We believe that the available evidence does not warrant alarm, and that long-term etretinate therapy can probably be given with a low risk of musculoskeletal toxicity if certain precautions are taken, in particular the use of low maintenance dose levels, early investigation of symptoms of musculoskeletal pain or stiffness, and regular ^99mTcMDP bone scans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]