Background:

Isotretinoin is a synthetic vitamin A analogue that is used to treat severe acne and other dermatologic diseases. However there are some concerns about this drug regarding the adverse effects.

Aim:

In this study we evaluated the adverse effects of isotretinoin on liver functions and serum lipids with focus on the gender, age and isotretinoin dosages.

Material and Methods:

Medical records of patients from 2011 to 2013 to whom oral isotretinoin had been prescribed and maintained the treatment at least 3 months were retrospectively reviewed. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gama-glutamyltransferase (GGT), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), creatinine (Cre) levels were evaluated pretreatment and at the third month of the treatment, respectively.

Results:

The levels of AST, ALT, GGT, Cre, TG, LDL, VLDL, HDL at the third month of treatment did not differ significantly between male and female patients. With regard to age, the levels of AST, ALT, GGT, LDL, VLDL were significantly higher in patients older than 25 years when compared to patients younger than 25 years. When the drug dosage was taken into account, it was found that the levels of AST, ALT, GGT, TG, LDL, VLDL were significantly higher in patients taking more than 0,5mg/kg/day compared to patients taking less than 0,5mg/kg/day.

Conclusion:

The major factor that increases TG levels during isotretinoin treatment seems to be the drug dosage. The major factors that increase AST, ALT, GGT, LDL, VLDL levels on isotretinoin treatment seems to be the patients’ age and drug dosage. Gender does not have a major role on serum lipids and liver functions associated with isotretinoin therapy.

Keywords: Liver functions, Serum lipids, Isotretinoin