Application of topical gentamicin ointment in the treatment of Nagashima-type palmoplantar keratosis in children with a nonsense mutation

Importance:Nagashima-type palmoplantar keratosis(NPPK)is a hereditary dermatosis mostly caused by a nonsense mutation in SERPINB7.Despite the increasing interest in readthrough gentamicin treatment of NPPK,clinical evidence for this treatment is limited.Objective:This study aimed to provide further evidence for the use of topical gentamicin in the treatment of NPPK in children with nonsense mutations.Methods:We designed a bilaterally controlled study of topical gentamicin ointment.Children diagnosed with NPPK carrying nonsense mutations were enrolled in this study.A 0.1%gentamicin ointment was applied to one hand and an emollient to the other for 3 months.A bilateral comparison of the visual analog scale scores for clinical manifestations and safety was performed.Results:Ten children with NPPK were included in this study.In comparison with the emollient side,the topical gentamicin side showed significant improvements in hyperkeratosis,erythema,maceration,and desquamation after 1 and 3 months of treatment(P<0.05).However,hyperhidrosis and odor did not improve significantly.No adverse events were observed during the systemic safety monitoring examinations.Interpretation:Topical gentamicin ointment showed good safety in the treatment of NPPK with nonsense mutations,indicating that it is a promising therapeutic choice in children with NPPK.