Pityriasis rubra pilaris and and retinol-binding protein.

Serum levels of retinol-binding protein (the specific carrier of vitamin A) were measured in eleven patients with pityriasis rubra pilaris and in some of their close relatives. The level of retinol-binding protein was markedly reduced in every patient, and in some of the relatives. It is postulated that defective synthesis of retinol-binding protein is a biochemical marker for pityriasis rubra pilaris, probably transmitted as a Mendelian dominant.