Effects of Isotretinoin Administration on Serum Levels of Vitamin D, Calcium, Phosphorus and PTH and Its Associated Radiographic Bone Changes among Patients with Nodulocystic Acne

Nodulocystic Acne is a well-known dermatological disorder, and application of isotretinoin for its treatment may result in skeletal and muscular pains and can develop some variations in serum levels of some metabolites. This study was conducted to determine the serum levels of vitamin D metabolites, Calcium, Phosphorus and Parathyroid hormone (PTH), before and after the oral administration of isotretinoin and also investigate the radiographic bone changes of patients with severe acne. 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D and 25-hydroxy-vitamin D, Calcium, Phosphorus, Parathyroid hormone and axial spines radiographies were measured in 30 patients with nodulocystic acne, before and after the initiation of treatment. 25-hydroxy-vitamin D was low in three patients before the treatment, whereas in one patient it was found to be low after the treatment (P=0.7). 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D was low in one patient before and in two ones after the treatment (P=0.9). Calcium decreased in four patients after treatment, (P=0.2). Phosphorus and PTH levels were normal before and after treatment. There were no significant changes in bone radiographic examinations before and after treatment. Oral isotretinoin did not lead to any significant changes in serum vitamin D metabolites, Calcium, Phosphorus, PTH and bone radiography among acne patients.