Belkiz Uyar1, Aynur Solak2, Ali Saklamaz3, Muhittin Akyildiz4, Berhan Genc2, Ayse Gökduman4. 1. Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Sifa University, Izmir, Turkey. 2. Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Sifa University, Izmir, Turkey. 3. Department of Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Sifa University, Izmir, Turkey. 4. Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Sifa University, Izmir, Turkey.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Isotretinoin is widely used in the treatment of acne. AIMS: We investigated the effects of isotretinoin on thyroid function tests and thyroid volume in acne patients. METHODS: In this prospective study, a total of 104 acne patients were included. Sixty-six patients were treated with isotretinoin for at least 4 months. Thirty eight patients were included in the control group. The levels of thyroid stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, antithyroglobulin and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies were measured and a thyroid ultrasound was performed in all the subjects before treatment and 4 months after treatment. A "p" value of < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: In the isotretinoin-treated group, thyroid stimulating hormone levels increased significantly during isotretinoin treatment (P = 0.018). Free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, anti-thyroid peroxidase levels and thyroid volume decreased significantly during treatment (P = 0.016, P= 0.012, P= 0.006, P = 0.020 respectively). LIMITATIONS: The major limitation of this study is the lack of follow-up data after the cessation of isotretinoin therapy in acne patients. CONCLUSION: Patients treated with isotretinoin should be monitored with thyroid function tests.
BACKGROUND:Isotretinoin is widely used in the treatment of acne. AIMS: We investigated the effects of isotretinoin on thyroid function tests and thyroid volume in acnepatients. METHODS: In this prospective study, a total of 104 acnepatients were included. Sixty-six patients were treated with isotretinoin for at least 4 months. Thirty eight patients were included in the control group. The levels of thyroid stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, antithyroglobulin and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies were measured and a thyroid ultrasound was performed in all the subjects before treatment and 4 months after treatment. A "p" value of < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: In the isotretinoin-treated group, thyroid stimulating hormone levels increased significantly during isotretinoin treatment (P = 0.018). Free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, anti-thyroid peroxidase levels and thyroid volume decreased significantly during treatment (P = 0.016, P= 0.012, P= 0.006, P = 0.020 respectively). LIMITATIONS: The major limitation of this study is the lack of follow-up data after the cessation of isotretinoin therapy in acnepatients. CONCLUSION:Patients treated with isotretinoin should be monitored with thyroid function tests.