Effects of isotretinoin on the thyroid gland and thyroid function tests in acne patients: A preliminary study

Background: Isotretinoin is widely used in the treatment of acne. Aims: We investigated the effects of isotretinoin on thyroid function tests and thyroid volume in acne patients. Methods: In this prospective study, a total of 104 acne patients were included. Sixty-six patients were treated with isotretinoin for at least 4 months. Thirty eight patients were included in the control group. The levels of thyroid stimulating hormone, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, antithyroglobulin and antithyroid peroxidase antibodies were measured and a thyroid ultrasound was performed in all the subjects before treatment and 4 months after treatment. A “p” value of Results: In the isotretinoin-treated group, thyroid stimulating hormone levels increased significantly during isotretinoin treatment ( P = 0.018). Free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, anti-thyroid peroxidase levels and thyroid volume decreased significantly during treatment ( P = 0.016, P = 0.012, P = 0.006, P = 0.020 respectively). Limitations: The major limitation of this study is the lack of follow-up data after the cessation of isotretinoin therapy in acne patients. Conclusion: Patients treated with isotretinoin should be monitored with thyroid function tests.