The utility of laboratory testing for pediatric patients undergoing isotretinoin treatment

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

6-11-2022

Journal

Pediatric dermatology

DOI

10.1111/pde.15045

Keywords

acne; dermatology; hepatotoxicity; isotretinoin; laboratory; liver enzymes; pancreatitis; pediatrics; triglycerides

Abstract

Isotretinoin, the most effective treatment for severe cystic acne, involves laboratory monitoring. In this retrospective case series of 130 pediatric patients taking isotretinoin, there were significant increases in cholesterol (143.9 mg/dl to 155.3 mg/dl), triglycerides (81.8 mg/dl to 115.2 mg/dl), and low-density lipoprotein (82.0 mg/dl to 98.1 mg/dl), and a decrease in high-density lipoprotein (50.0 mg/dl to 44.7 mg/dl) from baseline to follow-up (p < .05); there were no significant changes in liver enzymes. None of the patients had clinical sequelae (triglyceride-induced pancreatitis, retinoid-induced hepatotoxicity) related to their abnormal lab values. These findings question the utility of laboratory monitoring for prevention of severe clinical sequelae in pediatric patients, and suggest testing based on individualized risk factors may be more appropriate.

Department

Dermatology

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