title: Relapse of acne following isotretinoin treatment: a retrospective study of 405 patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Isotretinoin is the most effective systemic treatment option for patients with nodulocystic acne or acne vulgaris who have failed a treatment with systemic antibiotics.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a retrospective study of 405 acne patients treated with isotretinoin to evaluate the incidence of recurrence after a course of at least 150 mg/kg of isotretinoin.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 405 patients evaluated, 94 (23.2%) experienced relapses severe enough for the patient to request further medical management. Of the 94 patients, 76 (80.9%) relapsed within the first 2 years following completion of a course of isotretinoin.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This was a retrospective study at a single practice site.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Almost one-fifth of patients have a recurrence of acne within the first 2 years. Patients should be made aware of this information, as it will contribute to the development of accurate and appropriate expectations of therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Austin
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Deborah J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Peter C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Gerhardstein
authors.forename: Sylvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hsu
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007641:Keratolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D007641:Keratolytic Agents; D015474:Isotretinoin