ascorbic-acid and Dermatitis-Herpetiformis

Topics: Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Cyanosis; Dermatitis Herpetiformis; Dyspnea; Female; Humans; Oxygen; Sulfones

This study looked at whether oral vitamin C and vitamin E would protect the erythrocyte from oxidant damage caused by dapsone in patients with dermatitis herpetiformis.. Fifteen consecutive patients with dermatitis herpetiformis taking dapsone therapy received, in addition, 800 U/d of vitamin E for 4 weeks; then 1000 mg of vitamin C per day for 4 weeks, and, finally, combined vitamin E and vitamin C therapy for 4 weeks. Hemolysis indexes were assessed at baseline and after each 4-week period.. Statistical analysis of the results suggests that oral administration of 800 units of vitamin E daily for 4 weeks confers partial protective effect against dapsone-induced hemolysis in patients with dermatitis herpetiformis.. Partial protection against dapsone-induced hemolysis by orally administered vitamin E, if confirmed as being clinically relevant by further trials, may allow clinicians to continue dapsone therapy orally in patients who develop significant hemolysis. Prophylactic vitamin E to minimize potential hemolysis at the initiation of dapsone therapy may also be appropriate.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Cell Count; Dapsone; Dermatitis Herpetiformis; Female; Heinz Bodies; Hemoglobins; Hemolysis; Humans; Male; Methemoglobin; Middle Aged; Reticulocytes; Vitamin E

Dietary intakes of energy and nutrients were calculated from diet history interviews in 30 patients with dermatitis herpetiformis, before and after 18 months on a gluten-free diet. In spite of great changes in the intake of different foods, the mean intake of dietary fibre did not decrease. There was only a small decrease in the intake of iron in women, while the intake in men did not change. Patients with a previous high intake of gluten had indirect evidence of malabsorption.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Dermatitis Herpetiformis; Dietary Fiber; Energy Intake; Female; Glutens; Humans; Intestinal Mucosa; Iron; Jejunum; Male; Middle Aged