Effects of Oral Isotretinoin on Serum Vitamin D Metabolites and Other Biochemical Markers of Bone Turnover and Calcium Homeostasis in Severe Acne

Background: few studies have investigated on vitamin d metabolites serum levels, and calcium homeostasis in humans receiving retinoids, despite a substantial amount of literature concerning retinoid-induced osteoporosis in animals. we prospectively measured vitamin d metabolites serum levels and calcium homeostasis and radiographic bone changes in short course treatment with oral isotretinoin in severe acne. methods: 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin d and 25-hydroxy vitamin d, calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone and axial spine , femoral neck radiographies were measured in 30 nodulocystic acne patients ( 17 -28 years ) before and after twenty weeks of treatment with oral isotretinoin at the recommended dose (0.75 -1 mg/kg/day) . results: vitamin d metabolites, calcium, phosphate, parathyroid-hormone did not change significantly and hyperostosis and other sclerotic change were not observed in any patients. conclusion: short course treatment with oral isotretinoin at the recommended dose did not lead to any significant changes in serum vitamin d metabolites, calcium, phosphate and parathyroid hormone and has no effects on bone radiography in acne patients. (iran j dermatol 2008;11: 108-112)