Abstract
Introduction and purpose: Isotretinoin, the vitamin A derivative, has been commonly used in treatment of acne vulgaris for years. Despite its unquestionable efficacy, chronic oral isotretinoin treatment leads to multiple side effects. The aim of study is analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms prevalence during oral isotretinoin treatment and their impact on physical activity.Material and methods: The study was conducted using the original survey questionnaire shared online among members of Polish group of patients treated for acne. Total of 196 responses were analyzed and compared with up-to-date literature related to the topic.Results: 86,7% of respondents reported at least one of the musculoskeletal symptoms. The most common were back pain (82,7%), fatigue and lethargy (70,4%), myalgia (55,1%) and arthalgia (32,1%). In 97,6% cases adverse effects were developed within the first 6 months of treatment. In 64,2% they persisted during the whole therapy, sometimes even beyond. Due to musculoskeletal side effects, in 2,4% cases dose reduction was necessary, 1,8% of respondents had to stop treatment and 48% had to limit or stop physical activity. 71,4% of repondents reported that lower back pain occurred or escalated during isotretinoin treatment.Conclusions: Prevalence of reported musculoskeletal symptoms is very high and totals 86,7%. They result in prolonged limiting or stopping of physical activity in almost 50% of people. Although musculoskeletal symptoms are typically benign, possibility of severe disorders and potential permanent effects must be taken into consideration.
Highlights
Introduction and purposeIsotretinoin, the vitamin A derivative, has been commonly used in treatment of acne vulgaris for years
It is converted in vivo to all-trans retinoic acid, which induces cellular effects via binding to nuclear acid receptors, retinoid X receptors (RXRs), and retinoid acid receptors (RARs) [5]
Aim: The aim of this study is analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms among patients treated with isotretinoin for dermatological disorders, especially acne vulgaris and their impact on physical activity
Summary
Introduction and purposeIsotretinoin, the vitamin A derivative, has been commonly used in treatment of acne vulgaris for years. The aim of study is analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms prevalence during oral isotretinoin treatment and their impact on physical activity. Conclusions: Prevalence of reported musculoskeletal symptoms is very high and totals 86,7% They result in prolonged limiting or stopping of physical activity in almost 50% of people. In the European countries the overall adjusted prevalence of self-reported acne amounts up to 57.8%, the highest rate occurs in youth 15 to 17 years old and decreases with age [1] This disease may affect more than 80% of teenagers. Isotretinoin has remained the single most effective anti-acne therapy, since when it was introduced to the market by Hoffman-La Roche in 1982 [7] It provides significant improvement in many patients and long-term remission [8,9,10]. It is the only therapy that affects all major etiological factors of acne
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