Evaluation of Lipid profile levels in acne vulgaris on low dose isotretinoin: A prospective study

Aim: The present study is to assess the effect on the variations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in patients with acne vulgaris on low dose isotretinoin treatment. Materials and Method: A total of fifty patients diagnosed having moderate to severe acne with the age group of 15-45yrs attending dermatology department, was treated with 20mg of isotretinoin daily for 4 months. Blood Samples were collected on day 0, 2nd wk, 1month, 2month, 3month and 4month. Result: Measured baseline values of cholesterol in continuous therapy group 116.86 ± 23.55, then after at 4wks, 8wk, 12wk, 16wk and at the end of the treatment were increased above the baseline values at every interval. Significant P-value is obtained when compared with the baseline. There was statistically significant increase in cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL at all the intervals compared with baseline and above normal limit with significant decrease in HDL levels. Conclusion: Low dose continuous isotretinoin therapy caused increase in cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL above the normal range with grade 1 increase and decrease in HDL levels. Side effects were mild and well tolerated and did not need termination of the treatment. However it is important to educate about the consequences. We advise our specialist that the usage of low dose isotretinoin in moderate to severe acne can be done with minimal concern but close follow up is important.