Pseudoporphyria and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Pediatr Dermatol. 2000 Nov-Dec;17(6):480-3. doi: 10.1046/j.1525-1470.2000.01827.x.

Abstract

Pseudoporphyria is characterized by erythema, blistering, and scarring on sun-exposed skin. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are implicated in the etiology of this condition. In a 1-year prospective study of children attending the pediatric rheumatology clinic in Edinburgh we found a prevalence of pseudoporphyria of 10.9% in children taking NSAIDs for juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Naproxen was the most commonly implicated NSAID, independent of dosage. Blue/gray eye color was an independent risk factor for the development of pseudoporphyria. We would advise caution in prescribing naproxen in these children to prevent disfiguring facial scarring.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis, Juvenile / drug therapy*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Naproxen / adverse effects
  • Naproxen / therapeutic use
  • Porphyrias / chemically induced*
  • Porphyrias / epidemiology
  • Prevalence
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Skin / drug effects
  • Skin / pathology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Naproxen