<p>Photosensitivity reactions in the elderly population: questionnaire-based survey and literature review</p>

Abstract

PurposeOlder people are at risk of developing adverse drug reactions, including photosensitivity reactions. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the use of potentially photosensitizing medications and photoprotection in the elderly population.Patients and methodsThree hundred and fifty-six respondents (223 [63%] women and 133 [37%] men) aged ≥65 years filled in the original questionnaire concerning photosensitivity reactions to drugs. The diagnosis of drug-induced photosensitivity was based on medical history and clinical examination.Results and conclusionWe found that drugs potentially causing phototoxic/photoallergic reactions comprised more than one fifth of all drugs used by the participants. The most numerous group was patients treated with 3–5 drugs potentially causing phototoxic/photoallergic reactions simultaneously. Of all drugs, ketoprofen was found to cause the highest number of photosensitivity reactions. Cutaneous adverse reactions were also observed for hydrochlorothiazide, atorvastatin, simvastatin, telmisartan, and metformin. Moreover, it was found that the incidence of photosensitivity reactions can be significantly reduced by using proper photoprotection.

A phototoxic drug reaction due to topical NSAIDs

“…The prevalence is unknown. 9 The peculiarity of this case is that the phototoxic reaction the patient developed was wrongly diagnosed as a skin infection at first, which led to antibiotic therapy, which caused yet another problem and discomfort for the patient. Photosensitivity disorders can be a challenging diagnosis for patients and physicians alike, but they should be considered in cases where skin lesions arise following sun exposure or exposure to known photosensitizing agents.…”

Cardiovascular and oncological diseases: how to break the vicious circle?

“…Также недостатком является ограниченное число онкологических пациентов в РКИ. Распространение имеют лишь небольшие клинические доклады с малой выборкой пациентов без контрольной группы [20]. Ингибиторы ангиотензинпревращающего фермента и бета -блокаторы могут помочь в стабилизации состояния в связи с развитием кардиотоксичности на фоне химиотерапии зам счет увеличения ФВ ЛЖ.…”

Drugs with potencial to induce photosensitivity

“…Vlivem těchto faktorů se zvyšuje koncentrace léčiv ve tkáních, prodlužuje se doba jejich působení a díky tomu roste riziko fotosenzitivního nežádoucího účinku. Dále u pacientů vyššího věku stoupá pravděpodobnost užívání více druhů léčiv s fotosenzibilizujícím potenciálem (5). Velmi zajímavý byl výsledek prevalence rozvoje fotosenzitivní reakce ve vztahu k fototypu pacienta.…”