Isotretinoin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: An Enigma

https://doi.org/10.56609/jac.v41i2.301

Authors

  • A. Yılgor Assistant Professor Department of Neurology Yuzuncu Yil University Faculty of Medicine Van Turkey
  • G. Ozaydin Yavuz Assistant Professor Department of Dermatology Yuzuncu Yil University Faculty of Medicine Van Turkey
  • I. H. Yavuz Assistant Professor Department of Dermatology Yuzuncu Yil University Faculty of Medicine Van Turkey
  • C. Boyvadoglu Department of Dermatology Ceyhan State Hospital Adana Turkey
  • P. Korkmaz Department of Dermatology Dr. Ersin Arslan Training and Research Hospital Gaziantep Turkey
  • H. S. Inaloz Professor Department of Dermatology University of Gaziantep Faculty of Medicine Gaziantep Turkey

Keywords:

isotretinoin, neuropathy, side effect, acne treatment

Abstract

  Isotretinoin, a first-generation nonaromatic retinoid, leads to numerous diseases including eye disorders and neurological, gastrointestinal, psychiatric, metabolic, connective tissue, and musculoskeletal diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of isotretinoin on peripheral nerve functions.

  The study included 30 patients that were started on isotretinoin due to nodulocystic acne. A thorough neurological and general examination was performed for each patient by a neurologist both at the beginning and end of the study. Laboratory investigations including complete blood count (CBC), serum biochemical analysis, vitamin B12 levels, thyroid function tests, and urine tests were performed to identify the other factors that may affect the functions of peripheral nerves. A neurophysiological examination was performed using an electroneuromyography (EMG) device.

  The 30 patients comprised 7 (23.3%) men and 23 (76.7%) women, with a mean age of 21.9±3.56 years. No serious side effect occurred in any patient. No motor or sensory values suggestive of neuropathy were observed in any patient. However, significant differences were found between the pre-and post-treatment sensory and motor values of some nerves.

  Although it did not cause peripheral polyneuropathy, isotretinoin resulted in alterations in the latency, amplitude, and velocity values of peripheral nerves.

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Author Biography

H. S. Inaloz, Professor Department of Dermatology University of Gaziantep Faculty of Medicine Gaziantep Turkey

Corresponding Author:

Professor Hüseyin Serhat İnalöz MD

Gaziantep Faculty of Medicine

Department of Dermatology

27270, Gazıantep/Turkey

Tel.: 0 +90- (541) 281 99 21

Fax: 0 +90- (342) 360 39 28

e-mail: serhatinaloz@hotmail.com

Published

2023-09-18

How to Cite

[1]
Yılgor, A., Ozaydin Yavuz, G., Yavuz, I.H., Boyvadoglu, C., Korkmaz, P. and Inaloz, H.S. 2023. Isotretinoin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: An Enigma. Journal of Applied Cosmetology. 41, 2 (Sep. 2023), 133/141. DOI:https://doi.org/10.56609/jac.v41i2.301.