Absence of efficacy of oral isotretinoin in hidradenitis suppurativa: a retrospective study based on patients' outcome assessment.
BACKGROUND
In analogy to acne, oral isotretinoin has been considered in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).


OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of oral isotretinoin according to patients.


METHODS
From 1999 to 2006, 358 consecutive HS patients were interviewed and examined. A standardized record of the data was performed for each patient during the first consultation. Patients were questioned regarding the effect of previous treatment with oral isotretinoin: patients had to grade the effect as either 'improved', 'no effect' or 'worse'.


RESULTS
Fourteen patients (16.1%) declared an improvement, 67 patients (77%) no effect and 6 patients (6.9%) worsening of HS.


CONCLUSIONS
According to our patients, oral isotretinoin is not effective in the treatment of HS.
Soria
A
A
Service de Dermatologie, Groupe Hospitalier Henri Mondor et Albert Chenevier, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris 12, Créteil, France.
Canoui-Poitrine
F
F
Wolkenstein
P
P
Poli
F
F
Gabison
G
G
Pouget
F
F
Viallette
C
C
Revuz
J
J
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D017497:Hidradenitis Suppurativa / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017211:Treatment Failure
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D015474:Isotretinoin