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Isotretinoin and serum thyroid parameters: systematic review and meta-analysis
Niyaz Mostafa1, Esther Hong2, Thomas Stewart3
1St George Dermatology and Skin Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia
|June 3, 2026
Summary
This study found that isotretinoin treatment for acne vulgaris causes small but significant changes in thyroid function, including increased thyroid-stimulating hormone and decreased thyroxine and triiodothyronine levels. The clinical impact of these isotretinoin effects on thyroid health requires further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Isotretinoin is a widely used acne treatment.
- Its effects on thyroid function are not fully understood.
- Previous research shows conflicting results on biochemical changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and analyze the impact of oral isotretinoin on thyroid function.
- To assess changes in serum thyroid hormones and antibody levels.
- To evaluate isotretinoin's effects in acne vulgaris patients.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
- Searched major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science) from 1980-2025.
- Analyzed serum thyroid parameters before and during isotretinoin therapy.
Main Results:
- Fifteen studies included in the meta-analysis.
- Isotretinoin significantly increased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
- Isotretinoin significantly decreased thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) levels.
- Substantial heterogeneity observed in TSH and T3 results.
Conclusions:
- Isotretinoin treatment leads to statistically significant thyroid function alterations.
- The clinical relevance of these thyroid changes is currently uncertain.
- Study limitations include observational design and heterogeneity in treatment protocols.
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