EFFICACY OF TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL-RICH CANNABIS OINTMENT IN A CHILD WITH RECCESSIVE DYSTROPHIC EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSA: CASE REPORT

Abstract

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is characterized by epithelial fragility with blistering and the presence of pain and chronic pruritus. Studies demonstrate the potential of cannabinoids in the treatment of dermatological disorders, presenting anti-inflammatory action, pruritus control, and analgesic effect. In addition, two case series of patients with EB demonstrated positive results with both topical and systemic use of cannabinoids. OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the topical use of a tetrahydrocannabinol-rich (THC) Cannabis sativa ointment in a patient with EB. METHODS: this is the case report of a 4-year-old female patient with recessive dystrophic EB. Two similar chronic wounds were chosen, in which one was treated with the placebo and the other treated with the THC-rich Cannabis ointment. The influence on healing and on pain and pruritus symptoms was evaluated for 28 days. After this period, the blinding status was removed and, due to the results achieved, it was decided to continue the application of the THC-rich Cannabis ointment in both lesions. RESULTS: The THC-rich Cannabis sativa ointment improved the wound healing process and the control of pain and pruritus when compared to placebo. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the THC-rich Cannabis ointment was effective in the healing process of the chronic wounds presented by the patient. A positive effect was also observed in relation to pain, pruritus, and improvement in the overall quality of life.

KEYWORDS: Epidermolysis bullosa. Cannabis. Tetrahydrocannabinol. THC. Case report.