"Sunbath polyneuritis": subacute axonal neuropathy in perazine-treated patients after intense sun exposure.

Roelcke U, Hornstein C, Hund E, Schmitt HP, Siess R, Kaltenmaier M, Fassler J, Meinck HM.

Muscle & nerve · 1996

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Abstract

This article aims at drawing attention to the peculiar association of intense exposure to sunlight and subacute development of sensory neuropathy which was seen in 7 psychiatric patients treated with the phenothiazine derivative, perazine. Three patients additionally developed bilateral VII nerve palsy. Symptoms followed a monophasic course with almost complete remission. Routine neurophysiology suggested axonal neuropathy confirmed by sural nerve biopsy in 1 patient. A toxic origin of neuropathy is supposed, possibly induced by phenothiazine photoproducts, which may cause cell damage via lipid peroxidation.