Relapse of acne following isotretinoin treatment: a retrospective study of 405 patients
Liu, A.; Yang, D.J.; Gerhardstein, P.C.; Hsu, S.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology Jdd 7(10): 963-966
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 1545-9616 PMID: 19112761 Document Number: 14593
Isotretinoin is the most effective systemic treatment option for patients with nodulocystic acne or acne vulgaris who have failed a treatment with systemic antibiotics. We conducted a retrospective study of 405 acne patients treated with isotretinoin to evaluate the incidence of recurrence after a course of at least 150 mg/kg of isotretinoin. Of the 405 patients evaluated, 94 (23.2%) experienced relapses severe enough for the patient to request further medical management. Of the 94 patients, 76 (80.9%) relapsed within the first 2 years following completion of a course of isotretinoin. This was a retrospective study at a single practice site. Almost one-fifth of patients have a recurrence of acne within the first 2 years. Patients should be made aware of this information, as it will contribute to the development of accurate and appropriate expectations of therapy.
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