The effect of isotretinoin on triglycerides and liver aminotransferases.
BACKGROUND
Isotretinoin has been used to treat the most severe cases of acne; however, it may provoke adverse events in mucocutaneous and hepatic tissues, lead to alterations in lipid levels and cause teratogenicity.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to evaluate the profile of changes in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and triglyceride levels in patients who had been treated with oral isotretinoin dispensed by the São Mateus/ES pharmacy for special drugs.


METHODS
A retrospective, observational, longitudinal study was conducted by carrying out a secondary analysis of each patient's data.


RESULTS
Of the 130 patients who received isotretinoin between January and December 2009, only 70 were actually treated for 3 months or more and handed in the results of their laboratory tests. Of these 70 patients, 39 (55.7%) were female. The mean age of the women (23.9 years) was higher than the mean age of the men (20.1 years). There was a statistically significant increase in the levels of triglycerides (87.01 ± 48.25 versus 105.32 ± 48.76 mg/dL), AST (20.44 ± 6.26 versus 24.38 ± 11.92 U/L) and ALT (18.24 ± 8.31 versus 23.34 ± 20.03 U/L) performed prior to and 3 months or more after oral isotretinoin treatment. After treatment with oral isotretinoin, triglyceride levels had increased beyond the normal range in 11% of the patients, while 8.6% had elevated AST levels and 7.3% had increased ALT levels.


CONCLUSIONS
The results in this population show that the use of oral isotretinoin for the treatment of acne may result in altered triglyceride, AST and ALT levels. These findings are in accordance with data published previously in the scientific literature, confirming the need to monitor these patients.
Center of North Espírito Santo, Federal University of Espírito Santo, São Mateus, Brazil.
Andreia Salezze
AS
Vieira
Vanessa
V
Beijamini
Ana Carolina
AC
Melchiors
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood*; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood*; D055815:Young Adult
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D014280:Triglycerides; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase; D015474:Isotretinoin