[Darier's erythema annulare centrifugum of neonatal onset with a 15 years' follow-up. Efficacy of interferon and role of cytokines].

INTRODUCTION

Darier's erythema annulare centrifugum (EAC) is a disease of unknown etiology. Some observations of EAC in infancy suggest a better prognosis for early EA. The observations presented herein gives different information regarding prognosis and pathogenesis.

OBSERVATION

A child presents with typical lesions of EAC from early infancy up to the age of 15 years. Laboratory data are normal. Similar lesions were locally reproduced by intradermal injection by candidine but antifungal drugs were unsuccessful. Many antiinflammatory treatments failed to improve the disease. Because of the improvement during hyperthermic episodes, a treatment by subcutaneous interferon alpha (2 millions U 3 times a week) was given for six months with a dramatic success (with seric increase of TNF alpha and IL2)

DISCUSSION

The long term duration of EAC suggests that EA of infancy may represent the early beginning of Darier's EAC. The efficacy of interferon suggests that cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of EAC.