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 mt) 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
