[Acne in the male resistant to isotretinoin and responsibility of androgens: 9 cases, therapeutic implications].
BACKGROUND
Treatment failures with isotretinoin in female patients are frequently related to endocrinological dysfunctions. Such a concept has never been discussed in male patients.


METHODS
An extensive endocrinological work-up has been performed in nine male patients who presented with an acne refractory to conventional treatment and to isotretinoin. Adrenal dysfunction was found in four patients and isolated 5-alpha reductase hyperactivity in 2 cases. Three work-ups were normal. A suppressive treatment in three patients with adrenal dysfunction provided immediate efficacy.


CONCLUSIONS
These results would provide insight into the mechanism of refractory acne in men.
Chaspoux
C
C
Service d'Endocrinologie, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris.
Lehucher-Ceyrac
D
D
Morel
P
P
Lefrancq
H
H
Boudou
P
P
Fiet
J
J
Vexiau
P
P
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004351:Drug Resistance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017588:Hyperandrogenism / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D017211:Treatment Failure
D000728:Androgens; D015474:Isotretinoin