Isotretinoin therapy: any need for laboratory assessment?

Background: Recently studies showed the no need for laboratory follow up of patients on isotretinoin therapy. The aim of this study is to assess this issue.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective study on-400 patients was performed to analyze the laboratory data before and after isotretinoin therapy of acne vulgaris patients. All patients received isotretinoin at a dose of 1mg/kg for 20 weeks.

Results: AST was elevated in 25/400(6.25 %), ALT was elevated in 10/400(2.5 %). Cholesterol was elevated in 55/400(13.75%). Triglycerides were elevated in 20/400(5 %).

Conclusion: This study supports the previous evidence for the no need for performing laboratory investigations for patients on isotretinoin therapy.