BACKGROUND: Increases in plasma concentrations of lipids, triglycerides, and liver enzymes have been reported in patients on isotretinoin therapy. Lipoprotein (a). (Lp (a)), a cholesterol-rich plasma lipoprotein, influences the clotting system and is related to premature coronary heart disease and stroke. METHODS: Blood (7 mL) was obtained from 30 patients with cystic acne before and 30 days after the initiation of oral isotretinoin (0.5 mg/kg/day). RESULTS: An increase in liver enzymes and lipids, except high density lipoprotein, was found in our patients at the end of the study. The mean Lp (a) levels (initial value, 25.91 +/- 3.17 mg/dL) were statistically reduced (p < 0.0001) at the end of treatment (14.80 +/- 2.35 mg/dL). CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that isotretinoin could be used as an Lp (a) lowering agent in the future.
BACKGROUND: Increases in plasma concentrations of lipids, triglycerides, and liver enzymes have been reported in patients on isotretinoin therapy. Lipoprotein (a). (Lp (a)), a cholesterol-rich plasma lipoprotein, influences the clotting system and is related to premature coronary heart disease and stroke. METHODS: Blood (7 mL) was obtained from 30 patients with cystic acne before and 30 days after the initiation of oral isotretinoin (0.5 mg/kg/day). RESULTS: An increase in liver enzymes and lipids, except high density lipoprotein, was found in our patients at the end of the study. The mean Lp (a) levels (initial value, 25.91 +/- 3.17 mg/dL) were statistically reduced (p < 0.0001) at the end of treatment (14.80 +/- 2.35 mg/dL). CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that isotretinoin could be used as an Lp (a) lowering agent in the future.