Changes in Plasma Lipids and Lipoproteins during Isotretinoin Therapy for Acne

Abstract

Abnormalities in plasma lipids are a recognized side effect of isotretinoin therapy for nodulocystic acne. We studied 60 patients during 20 weeks of isotretinoin therapy, to measure changes in plasma lipids and lipoproteins, to compare plasma lipid responses in men and women, and to determine whether there are alterations in levels of lipoprotein lipase or hepatic triglyceride lipase that could explain the development of isotretinoin-induced hypertriglyceridemia.