The Impact of Isotretinoin on Lipid Profile: a Systematic Review

Isotretinoin, or 13-cis retinoic acid, is prescribed to treat moderate to severe recalcitrant nodulocystic acne that remains untreated with other drugs, such as antibiotics. The adverse effect profile of isotretinoin has raised concerns since studies have reported a substantial elevation in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL)/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio, indicating the risk of cardiovascular diseases after a long-term course of isotretinoin. Assessing the impact of isotretinoin on lipid profile markers in acne patients was the aim of this systematic review.

Various databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, Embase, and Web of Science, were comprehensively searched to identify relevant clinical studies. Ten articles out of 256 were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria by two independent reviewers. Each review was thoroughly evaluated using Assessment of the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

A decrease in HDL was observed, whereas total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL levels were notably elevated. However, most changes in lipid profile parameters are non-progressive, and their clinical significance is poorly understood. Liver enzyme levels, including aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase, were altered to a lesser degree.

Long-term use of isotretinoin is associated with mild alterations in the lipid profile, resulting in increased total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL levels. However, since lipid alterations vary depending on factors such as the population studied, dosage, and duration of isotretinoin treatment, regular monitoring of the lipid profile along with low density lipoprotein is recommended to avoid potential risk factors of isotretinoin on lipid metabolism and, thereafter, on the cardiovascular system, but is not deemed paramount.