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Abstract #19137 Published in IGR 3-1
Latanoprost and periocular skin color changes
Wand M; Ritch R; Isbey EK; Zimmerman TJArchives of Ophthalmology 2001; 119: 614-615
This is a report of the first case of periocular skin darkening attributed to the use of latanoprost. The case concerned a 75-year-old woman with a two-year history of open-angle glaucoma. She began using latanoprost in June 1998 and, in September 1999, reported that her skin around her eyes was much darker than the rest of her face. After discontinuation of the eye drops, a discernable lightening of the periocular skin was noted. Prostaglandin is one of the most potent stimulants of melanogenesis and melanocyte growth. The authors mention that they have seen two other cases of periocular pigmentation. In the voluntary self-report database of Pharmacia, there are less than 40 reports on pigmentary skin changes. There are also a few reports on hyperpigmentation of the neck, back, and temporal area of the face. It seems that the time of occurrence ranges from three weeks to one year, mostly in women between the ages of 50 and 80 years. The authors feel that the periocular skin changes seem to be benign and have little more than cosmetic consequences. Furthermore, they seem to be reversible. Interestingly, the difference between the skin epithelium and the iris is that iris melanocytes remain stable, and therefore iris pigmentation persists after the use of latanoprost, while the skin basal layer to the stratified cornea lasts for four to five weeks. This is why iris changes are not reversible while skin changes are.
Dr M. Wand, 85 Seymour Street, #522, Hartford, CT 06106, USA. e-mail: nodhilwand@aol.com
Classification:
11.4 Prostaglandins (Part of: 11 Medical treatment)
