Abstract:
Background and Aims: Retinoids, which are related to vitamin A, comprise a significant portion of dermatological treatments because they can alter the growth, development, and response of keratinocytes to inflammation. Because children are physiologically different from adults, a systematic review of retinoids is necessary. This systematic review aims to compile the evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of retinoids in the treatment of pediatric dermatological disorders.
Results: In the case of acne vulgaris, topical retinoids like tretinoin and adapalene were strong, showing mean reductions in acne lesions of 55% (95% CI: 50-60%) at 12 weeks of treatment. Systemic isotretinoin demonstrated the highest response rate (80∼90%) for severe cases but with a higher chance of adverse effects (xerosis (30-50%), cheilitis (20-40%) and risk of teratogenicity. With regards to diagnosing psoriasis, topical retinoids (strength of recommendation B), tazarotene was effective for mild to moderate psoriasis (mean PASI score improvement 50%) over 12 weeks of treatment. Systemic retinoids were shown to be effective in refractory psoriasis with 70% PASI improvement in select studies but the longitudinal data available is limited. Whereas, in cases of ichthyosis, acretin leads to a remarkable improvement in scaling, textural measures, and quality of life (60% of patients with a 40% or more decrease in Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI] score at some point over 6 months of therapy).
Conclusions: Retinoids are pharmacotherapeutic agents, that prove efficacious in various dermatological disorders in children and have been used safely. However, in terms of risks involved with systemic methods, the risk-benefit ratio must be evaluated diligently. Comprehensive research needs to be undertaken in order to design treatment regimens and to assess the safety and efficacy of treatment with retinoids in children.
