Vitamin A acid is a normal metabolite which was found to increase the epidermal cell turnover and to alter the rate and quality of keratinization. Since the topical vitamin A acid preparation was tried successfully in the treatment of patients with acne vulgaris by Kligman et al in 1969, several authors have repeatedly reported its therapeutic efficacy in acne vulgaris as well as other dermatoses. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Eudyna(®) cream and gel, a 0.05 % vitamin A acid preparation in patients with acne vulgaris. A total of 53 patients entered this study at the Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University Hospital during 8 months period from November, 1976 to July, 1977, All patients were instructed to apply the Eudyna(®) on their affected sites once or twice daily and the number of the lesions on three fixed areas were. counted before and once weekly after initiation of the treatment. Ten of 53 patients were lost after their initial visits. 23 cases were observed for 1 to 5 weeks and 20 cases for more than 6weeks. For convenience, the therapeutic results are described separately in these two groups. 1. Results observed in 20 cases who received more than 6weeks´ treatment: The weekly mean percentage decrease in the number of the lesions in 20 cases was 20.3%, 32.7%, 48.2%, 55.9%, 61.1%, 62.9% and 77.7%,. Eight cases showed excellent (75% or greater rate of disappearance) and 8 showed good (50~75%) responses and the overall effective rate was 80 %. 2. Results observed in 23 cases who received less than 5 weeks´ treatment: The weekly mean percentage decrease in the number of the lesions was 32.5 %, 22.6%, 31.7%, 40.8%, and 54.3%. The overall effective rate was 52.2% (excellent 3, good 9, slight 9, poor or worse 2).
3. Observed side effects in 20 cases included scales (20 cases), erythema (17),tightness (14), burning (12), itching (10), pain (2), edema(2) and oozing(1). The above results are sufficient for us to confirm that Eudyna(®) as a local agent showed satisfactory efficacy in relatively shorter period- 6 -weeks than that observed by Kligman et al who emphasized worsening of the clinical picture during the first 6 weeks of therapy. Better controlled long term studies would be necessary to establish adequate therapeutic period and we are considering extending therapeutic applications to other dermatoses.
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