The effect of systemic doxycycline treatment on hematological inflammatory parameters in patients with acne vulgaris

Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, doxycycline is widely used in the treatment of various dermatological diseases. Recent studies have indicated that doxycycline may influence hematological parameters by suppressing the inflammatory response. This study aimed to evaluate changes in hematological inflammatory parameters (NLR, PLR, MLR, MPV, and SII) in patients undergoing doxycycline treatment.

This retrospective study included 72 patients who were prescribed doxycycline treatment. The severity of acne was assessed using the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS). Hematological parameters (NLR, PLR, MLR, MPV, and SII) were recorded and analyzed at baseline (month 0), during treatment (month 1), and at the second month of treatment.

A significant decrease in NLR, PLR, and SII values was observed during doxycycline treatment. The initial NLR value was 2.24 ± 1.69, which decreased significantly to 1.59 ± 0.575 in the second month (p = 0.002). The initial SII value was 640 ± 593, which also decreased significantly to 432 ± 277 in the second month (p = 0.004). The initial Global Acne Grading Score (GAGS) was 26.3 ± 5.40, decreasing significantly to 21.9 ± 5.78 by the second month (p < 0.001). Additionally, NLR, PLR, and SII values showed a significant positive correlation with the Global Acne Grading Score (GAGS) both at baseline (month 0) and after treatment (month 2). NLR exhibited the strongest relationship with GAGS (p < 0.001).

This study demonstrates that doxycycline treatment significantly reduces inflammatory response markers, including NLR, PLR, and SII. The significant decrease in GAGS scores, along with NLR, PLR, and SII, confirms the inflammatory role of these markers. Further large-scale, controlled studies are needed to better understand the systemic anti-inflammatory effects of doxycycline.