Issleib, medication for epilepsy, like phenobarb, is known to potentially accelerate Dupuytren's. I think the idea is that such medication pushes the TGF beta value that is also involved in the growth of Dupuytren's nodules. By the way, it also can be addictive.

A reference could e.g. be Rothmeier J. und Froscher W. "Connective tissue changes during longterm anticonvulsive therapy", published in the journal "Fortschritte der Medizin" 107 (1989) pp 743-747, the article unfortunately in German. But it has an English abstract:

"Among the connective tissue changes induced by the chronic use of anticonvulsants, gingival hyperplasia associated with the use of phenytoin is the most reliably proven. In addition it is probable that phenytoin can also lead to a coarsening of the facies. Phenobarbital can probably trigger the development of Dupuytren's contracture, polyfibromatosis and/or Sudeck's syndrome. In connection with, or independently of this, phenobarbital can also lead to painful joints. A number of anticonvulsants are suspected of being able to trigger lupus erythematodes."

Hope that helps!

Wofgang

Quote:

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I have read somewhere that phenobarb can accelerate dupuytren's. I can't immediatly locate the reference. Can anyone help me with information?

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Hi Issleib, you might also have a look at Charlie Eaton's Dup-FAQ page http://www.handcenter.org/newfile25.htm .Search on this page for epilepsy. His comments are (numbers are on his page links to literature):

"When present, Dupuytrens appears to have a more aggressive character 1588209, although conflicting reports exist 932769. Association may be due to phenobarbitone medication rather than epilepsy itself 932769, 10751924 , although this is debatable as well 1588209. There may be an association between Dupuytren's, RSD and antiepileptic drugs 8156963, 2691374."

Good luck!

Wolfgang

I have been on phenobarbitol since I was 12. I have DC and LD. I was told this past week that it was the dilantin that poses the problem. I am now 39. I do not know if it has much to do with the phenobarbitol. I have to tell you that all of my family has this thing...three generations the two younger ones are just too young.

I know it probably does not help...gosh it is better than a seizure though!

Kristine

Which medication did the doctor put you on? I have been wanting my doctor to change mine and that has not happened yet. I need to be on a different anticonvulsant. This one works...but I really would like something that does not feed the Dupuytren's.

Kristine

Don't know trevB. Maybe just to help us be sure our *Delete* button is still working. :-) It is, and it' fun to use on these creeps.