Evaluation of clinical adverse effects and laboratory alterations in patients with acne vulgaris treated with oral isotretinoin.
BACKGROUND
Oral isotretinoin therapy has completely changed the treatment of acne. The clinical adverse effects of isotretinoin are classified into two groups: mucocutaneous and systemic toxic. Laboratory alterations such as dyslipidemia and increase of hepatic enzymes are reported.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the tolerability of oral isotretinoin with special attention to lipid metabolism, hepatic function, and clinical adverse reactions.


METHODS
150 patients clinically diagnosed with acne being treated with oral isotretinoin were included in the study. Clinical and laboratory evaluations were conducted before the start of therapy, one month after, and every three months thereafter until the completion of treatment.


RESULTS
Of the 150 patients evaluated, 48% were female and 52%, male. They were aged from 15 to 32 years. The most prevalent mucocutaneous adverse reaction associated with isotretinoin therapy was cheilitis, reported by 94% of the patients. Systemic clinical effects were much less common. Cholesterol, triglyceride, and transaminase levels were assessed and significant changes were not observed during treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients showed adverse effects compatible to those described in the literature, which are mostly controlled with symptomatic medication. Isotretinoin is a safe drug and adverse and laboratory effects are well tolerated.
Brito
Maria de Fátima de Medeiros
Mde F
Universidade Federal Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil. fatimabrito2@gmail.com
Sant'Anna
Iara Pessoa
IP
Galindo
Juliana Cordeiro Souza
JC
Rosendo
Lígia Helena Pessoa de Melo
LH
Santos
Josemir Belo dos
JB
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D015474:Isotretinoin