Retrospective analysis of the results of systemic therapy of moderate to severe papulo-pustular acne

Abstract

Background: Systemic isotretinoin is an effective treatment for acne, but the significant relapse rate requires a search for optimal daily doses to prolong disease remission. Purpose: To compare the results of systemic therapy of moderate-to-severe resistant and severe papulopustular pustular acne with isotretinoin at daily doses of 0.5; 0.7 and 1.0 mg/kg body weight. Methods: In a retrospective study, data from outpatient records and facial skin corneometry results of 125 individuals (95 acne patients, 30 healthy individuals) were analyzed. Patients with acne received isotretinoin (Sotret)at a daily dose of0.5; 0.7 or 1.0 mg/kg body weight, with a cumulative dose of 120 mg/kg body weight in all patients. The duration of follow-up of patients, according to outpatient records, was 18 months. Results: Isotretinoin systemic therapy was effective in patients in all compared groups. The resolution of inflammatory elements was faster (p0.001) in those who received doses of isotretinoin 0.7 and 1.0 mg/kg body weight. After treatment, elevated values of sebumetry, skin relief, pore size, and pigmentation were normalized in all groups. There was a significant difference in the incidence of adverse events depending on the dose of isotretinoin. The number of patients with relapses registered at 18-week follow-up after therapy in Group I was 6 (18.75%); in Group II, 4 (12.5%); in Group III, 1 (3.2%), the differences between the groups being significant (p=0.003). Conclusion: Therapy of moderate-to-severe resistant and severe papulopustular acne with systemic isotretinoin (Sotret) at daily doses of 0.5; 0.7 and 1.0 mg/kg at a cumulative dose of 120 mg/kg body weight demonstrates comparable clinical efficacy. However, recurrence rates during the 18-month follow-up period correlated with the daily dose of the drug.