Early signs of systemic disease in young patients taking minocyclin chlorhydrate

BACKGROUND: Search for etiology in young subjects with joint disease must t ake into consideration causes other than reactional arthropathy or systemic disease. CASE REPORTS: Two young subjects consulted for joint pain involving various joints. Physical examination did not reveal any other abnormality. Serum t ests were positive for antinuclear antibodies and/or showed moderately and persistently elevated transaminases. History taking revealed that these sub jects had been taking minocyclin chlorhydrate for several months, or even y ears, for acne. Joint pain subsided with drug withdrawal and serum tests re turned to normal. DISCUSSION: Long-term treatment with minocylin chlorhydrate should always b e included in the search for an etiology in patients presenting joint pain.