A Proposed Set of New Guidelines for Routine Blood Tests during Isotretinoin Therapy for Acne vulgaris

Vol. 204, No. 3, 2002

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Pharmacology and Treatment

A Proposed Set of New Guidelines for Routine Blood Tests during Isotretinoin Therapy for Acne vulgaris
Rachel S. Altman^a, Lawrence J. Altman^b, Jeffrey S. Altman^c

^aUniversity of Medicine and Dentistry, Newark, N.J.,
^bSarasota, Fla., and
^cAltman Dermatology Associates, Arlington Heights, Ill. USA

Address of Corresponding Author

Dermatology 2002;204:232-235 (DOI: 10.1159/000057887)

Key Words

Isotretinoin
Acne vulgaris
Guidelines for blood testing
Accutane

Abstract

Background: Isotretinoin has been proven to be an effective treatment for acne vulgaris. The enclosed package insert with isotretinoin suggests weekly/biweekly laboratory testing (hepatic functions and lipid analysis) but fails to recommend the needed action levels for abnormalities. Methods: We provide a statistical analysis of a retrospective study of 141 individuals' course of therapy on isotretinoin and their laboratory blood analysis results. Results: Very few statistically significant elevations in liver enzymes or lipid profiles occurred. More importantly, in only 1 case did these elevations warrant the discontinuation of therapy. Conclusion: The data presented here support the conclusion that limited blood testing should be performed for most patients and that more complete blood testing be done only for those patients with a significant response in liver enzymes, cholesterol or triglycerides. A set of guidelines is proposed for the practicing physician to interpret blood test results.

Author Contacts

Rachel S. Altman
933 Hudson Street, Apartment 6
Hoboken, NJ 07030 (USA)
Tel. +1 201 653 6510, Fax +1 847 923 4347, E-Mail altmanra@umdnj.edu

Article Information

Received: Received: August 20, 2001
Accepted: November 1, 2001
Number of Print Pages : 4
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 5, Number of References : 21

Medline Abstract (ID 12037453)

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